Whitchurch Food and Drink Festival hailed a success

The free event in Jubilee Park this weekend was hailed by Mayor Cllr Rose Hall as visitors defied the overcast weather.

The festival, held on Saturday (May 16), saw thousands of people descend on the park which was filled with stands from local businesses, street food, bars, chef demonstrations, live music on the bandstand, and hands-on activities from local organisations.

Visitors flocked to this year's Whitchurch Food and Drink Festival (Image: Anthony Gilmore)

Children were spoilt for choice with free activities including inflatables, an obstacle course, circus skills, alpacas, sports activities, and more. Visitors also picked up an ale trail leaflet to explore local pubs and bars.

It was funded by Whitchurch Town Council and local events business, Shropshire Festivals who Cllr Hall thanked for “their professionalism and expertise”.

Mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Rose Hall, with Beth Heath, Director of Shropshire Festivals (Image: Anthony Gilmore)

“Despite a slight downturn in the weather, it was a delight to see thousands of people return to Jubilee Park to enjoy our second Food & Drink Festival,” said Cllr Rose Hall.

“It was also great to see an increase in exhibitors year-on-year, plus street food stalls with cuisines from around the globe, as well as chef demonstrations, local charitable organisations and the garden area with hands-on activities.

Head Chef at Docket 33 Stuart Collins giving a demonstration at Whitchurch Food and Drink Festival (Image: Anthony Gilmore)

“The addition of the ale trail helped increase the number of people in the town centre, which was wonderful.”

Many of the exhibitors said the day was very successful, with some selling out of their products.

Some of the sweet treats on display at at Whitchurch Food and Drink Festival (Image: Anthony Gilmore)

The Barti Rum Bandstand Stage hosted the Whitchurch Brass Band, Whitchurch Singers, Exotic Zoo, Ultraviolet Harmony (from Sir John Talbot’s School), Twisted Halo, Groove Dynamite, and Dirty Rockin Scoundrels.

Local chefs and producers took to the Monks Chef Demo Stage. The lineup featured Steve the Hungry Guy, Clare Mainwaring from The Oteley Estate, James Sherwin from Wild Shropshire, Stuart Collins from Docket Restaurant, Tim Roberts from Su Casa, and Marie Powell from Powells Pies.

Visitors enjoying this year's Whitchurch Food and Drink Festival (Image: Anthony Gilmore)

Beth Heath, Shropshire Festivals’ Director of Fun, said, “It was great to see families and friends buying from local businesses, dancing to local bands, and learning from local chefs. Footfall across the town was up, with visitors from further afield coming to discover the town.

“I spoke to one chap who had travelled from Fleetwood for the event, staying locally and making a weekend of it. That’s a small example of the impact an event like this can have.

“Thanks also to our brilliant sponsors for elevating the event with their support, Barti Rum, Monks Estate Agents, County Loos, Dulson Training, Cartwrights Waste Disposal, The Market Town Vet, and Paycare.”