Events

Bristol

NEW
LOVE FOOD FESTIVAL
Regularly, usually monthly
Paintworks, Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3EH
Web: www.lovefoodfestival.com
Shopping as it should be, in a friendly, vibrant indoor/outdoor environment at the heart of Paintworks, the stylish live/work/play complex aka Bristol’s Creative Quarter. The festival always features a wide range of regional produce from local producers, alongside children’s activities, picnic area, the Urban Fringe pharmacy and various guest speakers to learn from and debate with. Regular stallholders include Real Artisan Bakery, Reg the Veg, Handpicked Shellfish Company, Pieminister, Kate’s Kitchen, James Chocolates, Lovely Drinks and Trethowan’s Dairy. Strong emphasis on organics and eco-friendly awareness and practices. Opportunity to sign up for the Love Food Discount Card, which can be used at the market and participating shops and stalls around Bristol. Admission free.

BRISTOL VEGAN FAYRE
30-31 May
Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square, Bristol, BS1
Web: www.bristol.veganfayre.co.uk
Continues to go from strength to strength, incorporating a huge variety of entertainment, education and excellent shopping opportunities alongside what the organisers claim is ‘the world’s biggest selection of vegan products on offer’ - and we reckon they’re absolutely right. For 2009, sponsors Beanie’s Health Foods, Bute Island Foods, the Vegan Society and vegan/veggie lifestyle magazine ‘Off the Hoof’ have promised to ‘supersize’ this year’s fayre. The Talks Rooms (debates on nutrition, campaigns and lifestyle chaired by leading experts in the field) have been expanded in size, and there’ll be over 140 stalls packed with vegan produce, refreshments and information. The tombola and wallet-friendly BOGOF stalls are set to thrive and there’ll be all kinds of entertainment for the kids, all of which complements the massive programme of vegan-related events, full details of which are published on the website from May. See website for this year’s admission prices (expected to be around £3 per day; free for kids and OAPs).

BRISTOL WINE & FOOD FAIR
10-12 July
Harbourside, Bristol, BS1
Web: www.bristolwineandfoodfair.co.uk
Now in its second year, this three-day event celebrates fine wine, fine dining and fine food – to great success. Last year, over 11,000 hungry punters joined the fun. This year, new features include expanded wine tutorials, an additional wine marquee, new covered seating and bar/restaurant areas, and lots of activities for children during the day. On the wine front, globally renowned wine merchants will be on hand throughout the free tasting sessions (over 600 wines available to buy by the case, bottle or glass) while the Chef Masterclass programme includes sessions headed up by Michael Caines, Josh Eggleton and local superstars Barny (Bordeaux Quay) Haughton and Chris (Bell’s Diner) Wicks. Local chefs and restaurateurs will offer signature dishes to sample, while a vibrant local produce market, bars and plenty of live music and original entertainment will keep you occupied as you nibble and quaff. Admission £8 per day/£15 weekend (inc free Bristol Wine Fair tasting glass and free programme). Tutored wine and cheese tastings individually priced.

BRISTOL CIDER FESTIVAL
7-8 Aug
Brunel Passenger Shed, British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, Station Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH
Web: www.somersetmade.co.uk/ciderfestivals
The second festival of its kind, divided into three sessions (Fri 7.30-11.30pm; Sat 11am-4pm & 7.30-11.30pm). There’ll be over 80 ciders and perries available including award-winning ciders from Ben Crossman, Broadoak, Hecks and Mr Whitehead’s as well as hog roast rolls and cheese platters, soft drinks for the drivers and entertainment from Wurzels tribute act the Mangledwurzels at all three sessions. You can buy tickets online: £6 adv, £7 on the door.

SOIL ASSOCIATION ORGANIC FOOD FESTIVAL
12-13 Sept
Harbourside, Bristol, BS1
Web: www.soilassociation.org/festival
Undoubtedly one of the highpoints in the food world’s annual calendar, Europe’s biggest organic festival (sponsored by Yeo Valley Organic) takes over Bristol’s harbourside and incorporates a massive organic market (food, drink, fashion, skincare, homeware), a Green Pavilion, demo kitchens, talks and tastings, organic bars, a kids’ zone, a fringe programme and food cruises around the harbour. The Soil Association are the UK’s leading environmental charity promoting sustainable, organic farming and championing human health - these are the people to talk to if you want to find out where your food comes from, meet the producers and learn about going organic in all areas of your life, from kitchen to clothing – and this is the place to do it. Unmissable. Many events are free, see website for details.

BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT
19 Sept-4 Oct
Web: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk
Thousands of events taking place around the country in celebration of British food (with Bristol and Bath writ large on the foodie map), making it the biggest national celebration of the diverse range of food, drink and eating out experiences in Britain. Admission varies, but most are free. See website for full programme details.

Bath

NEW
MILSOM PLACE FOOD & DRINK FAIR
4-5 July
Milsom St, Bath, BA1 1DN
Web: www.milsomplace.co.uk
Following the success of their chocolate festival last December (set to be repeated this year - check Venue’s Food & Drink pages for details), the good people who work behind the scenes at Bath’s glamorous, recently refurbished Milsom Place shopping centre have launched an annual food fare celebrating regional produce from the South West, with cookery demos, tastings and competitions. Admission free.

BATH CRICKET CLUB CIDER FESTIVAL
24 July
Bath Cricket Club, North Parade, Bridge Rd, Bath, BA2 4EX
Web: www.somersetmade.co.uk/ciderfestivals
One-day cider festival in the grounds of the Bath Cricket Club, part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Expect samples from a range of over 90 regional ciders and perries, a hog roast and entertainment from Wurzels tribute band the Mangledwurzels. Admission £6 adv, £7 on the door; tickets from Pavilion Box Office.

BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT
19 Sept-4 Oct
Web: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk
See Bristol listing.

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
26 Nov-6 Dec (TBC)
Abbey Square (and surrounding areas), Bath, BA1
Web: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
Ostensibly an arts and crafts-oriented Christmas shopping paradise, Bath Christmas Market is becoming increasingly renowned for the food served up by local restaurants, cafes and bars in market-friendly form. Beaujolais Bistro, Metropolitan Cafe, Green Park Brasserie, Bath Organic Farms and the Raincheck Bar are usually among the convivial friendly faces offering spectacular goodies from gluhwein, strudel and goulash to crepes, hot dogs and venison burgers, all in easy-to-transport, bargain-priced portions, making perfect partners for a tasty, atmospheric meander around Bath’s prettiest squares.

Out of Town

NEW
MELKSHAM FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
3-9 May
Various venues, Melksham
Web: www.melkshamfoodfestival.co.uk
The first of what the organisers hope will be a regular annual event, this week-long festival of food and drink related events - launched by celebrity chef Martin Blunos (the official ‘Face of the Festival’) - aims to highlight the wide variety of producers in the area, and celebrate Melksham’s local and regional produce. Find tastings, guided farm tours, debates, children’s activities and plenty of goodies in the farmers’ market as the week rolls along. Admission free.

CHELTENHAM FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
19-21 June
Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 1SD
Web: www.garden-events.com
Over 160 local and regional exhibitors display a vast array of products, drinks and top-notch nibbles at this totally charming festival. Leading local chefs showcase local and regional produce in the Intoto Kitchen, alongside a Wine Theatre promoting the finest English and international wine, with leading wine makers, writers and industry experts sharing their knowledge to an enthusiastic crowd. Real ale and traditional cider brewers get to share the spotlight, too. Many events are free, see website for details.

MENDIP FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
23 Oct-1 Nov
Various locations, Mendips, Somerset
Web: www.mendipfoodfestival.co.uk
Ten-day festival promoting and celebrating quality local produce around the Mendip area of Somerset, featuring a wide array of food and drink grown, produced and served in the area. Participating venues include hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafes, farm shops and farmers’ markets, plus many other attractions, offering themes and activities to suit all tastes. Many events are free, see website for details.

NEW
SPRING FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK
8-9 March 2010
Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN
Web: www.bathandwest.com
Sponsored by Somerset County Council and supported by Somerset Food Links, the Spring Festival is expected to be the largest local food and drink festival of its kind, bringing together all Somerset’s producers in one location. This one-stop event for purchasing local food and drink will feature children’s competitions, cookery demos and plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The organisers are hoping this will become a regular annual event.

Check Venue magazine’s Food & Drink pages for updates and news of local food and drink festivals as they’re announced.

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