Food festival was a treat on the street for visitors
A FEASTI-VAL of food, drink and entertainment filled Stratford town centre across three days Last weekend for the annual Stratford Food Festival.
Foodies of all ages turned out in their thousands and enjoyed fantastic flavours from the region and around the world with a huge number of places to eat and drink within Stratford, complemented by over 120 artisan food producers, sweet treats, dairy produce, and other culinary delights on Bridge Street, High Street, Wood Street and Henley Street.
Experts from local businesses took to the demonstration kitchen stage to deliver free hints and tips with a variety of cooking and mixology demonstrations, including Chris Butler from event sponsors, Loxleys Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Despite the rain on Friday closing play early for the stalls and activities, there were positive vibes around town across the weekend with crowds visiting food stalls, pubs, restaurants, cafés, galleries, attractions and shops.
The performance area on Market Cross at the top of Bridge Street entertained and delighted crowds with an exciting line-up of acts, from bands, soloists and a headline performance by Tom Seals and his four-piece band.
Diane Mansell, Stratford BID Manager said: “Stratford was buzzing during the food festival and it was fantastic to see so many of our businesses embracing the event and thriving from it.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors and see them enjoying the family-friendly activities, eating their favourite dishes at familiar Stratford eateries and the visiting stalls, exploring new flavours from local producers and recipes from around the world, as well as dancing and singing along to the music on the stage”.
Festival organisers Bid said there was something for everyone to enjoy with roaming entertainment and free family activities on Henley Street, Meer Street, Wood Street including, a climbing wall sponsored by Listers Toyota Stratford; an RSC-styled photo opportunity; food workshops for children; Lego workshops; Punch and Judy shows, Golden Globe and Safe Cracker games, plus glitter tattoos by local salon, Oakley & Irvine.
Lucky foodies got their hands on the one thousand voucher booklets for the new Food, Cocktail and Ale Trail created by sixteen town centre premises who provided limited time offers available until 30th November.
“BID, its partners and all involved worked hard to reschedule the event and the feedback was wonderfully positive from a variety of businesses and traders,” Diane Mansell said.
She added: “The festival is funded by almost 460 Stratford levy paying businesses via the Stratford Business Improvement District (SUA BID), and it’s thanks to them that this event and other SUA BID events are possible, along with the support of sponsors and the time and effort of all involved in the planning and delivery. The biggest thank you goes to the visitors who attended the event and supported the Stratford while eating, drinking and shopping local.
“We have more dates for the diary this year with a Pumkin Patch activity on 26th October and Halloween Trail starting on 22nd October and the Christmas Lights Switch-On scheduled for 19th November 2022.”
