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Coming in 2009 - Food Events to keep in mind...
Radical Nature: Art & Architecture for a Changing Planet 1969-2009
Tuesday 16 June - Wednesday 16 July 2009
The Barbican, London
Created as a response to environmental change, Radical Nature is an art exhibition as one landscape built around nature. Visit the exhibition itself or go along for one of the many food-inspired talks and debates on the changing world around us, chaired by such eminent foodies as Guerilla Gardener Richard Reynolds, Matthew Fort, Tim lang and Sheila Dillon.
Entry Events individually priced
www.barbican.org.uk
British Strawberry Tea with Breast Cancer Care
Celebrate the first British strawberries and raise money for Breast Cancer Care at the same time. Host a picnic, bake some scones or a cake for tea break in the office, hold a cake sale - it's up to you.
Contact 0870 164 9422
www.breastcancercare.org.uk/strawberry
FARMA The Month of Taste
Saturday 13 June - Sunday 19 July 2009
Across the country
FARMA launches The Month of Taste, a month-long summer celebration of the best of British food direct from the farm. Look out for tastings and events in farm shops and famers markets, including walks, trails, beer festivals and family fun days. Mostly, it just means making the most of all our fresh summer produce - so get feasting.
www.monthoftaste.info
St Albans Food and Drink Festival
Saturday 20 June - Sunday 5 July 2009
Venues across St Albans
St Albans Food and Drink Festival forms part of the St Albans Festival taking place around the same time, culminating in an outdoor street celebration on the last weekend. Go along for tastings and demonstrations in pubs, restaurants, cafes, delis - all showcasing their finest local produce at this food event.
www.stalbansfoodanddrinkfestival.com
Pembrokeshire Fish Week
27th June - 5th July 2009
Events throughout Pembrokeshire
Britain has some of the best fish and shelfish in the world and there can be few more enthusiastic places celebrating our good fortune than Pembrokeshire. This 10th anniversary year, there'll be fresh lobster lunches, fish & chip suppers, cookery demonstrations from Mitch Tonks and seaside-inspired art and crafts for all the family. You can even cook your very own catch-of the-day!
Entry Free
Contact 01437 776 168
www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk
Isle of Man Queenie Festival
Monday 29 June - Sunday 5 July 2009
Port St Mary, Port Erin, Gansey, Isle of Man
The Manx Queenie - otherwise known as a queen scallop - is a real delicacy, trumpeted to the skies at this particular food event. There's masses on including fishing tours, seafood BBQs, sailing lessons, live music and lots of activities centred around the beach.
www.queeniefestival.com
Leeds Loves Food
Thursday 2 July - Sunday 5 July 2009
At venues throughout Leeds
This four-day food event celebrates everything local to Leeds. If the weather's nice look out for picnic areas by the demonstration theatre, a chocolate trail throughout the city centre and restaurants vying for your attention with tastings menus and offers.
Entry All events priced individually
www.leedslovesfood.com
Seer Green Cherry Pie Fair
Saturday 4 July 2009, 12-3pm
Seer Green CE School, School Lane, Seer Green, Buckinghamshire HP9 2QJ
Seer Green was once known as 'Cherry Pie Village' - their sadly long-gone cherry orchard was large enough to produce cherries for pies for the entire village - happily more trees are now being planted. The Cherry Pie Fair has resurrected the glory of those days with own-made cherry pies on offer as well as a host of other activities.
Entry Free
Contact Helen Lindsey-Clark 01494 680 736
Macmillan Cancer Support Charity CherryAid Picnic
Sunday 5 July, 2-4pm
The Vines, off Crow Lane, Rochester, Kent
Join in for a family picnic in the historic Vines garden, raising money for Macmilland and supporting CherryAid at the same time. Rickhamfields Farm will be selling Kentish cherries, picked that day, and Pepys will be entertaining picnickers. There's cherry-related activities for the kids and a face painter.
Contact bob.wade@medway.gov.uk
Arley Garden Festival
June 2009, To be confirmed
Gardening Festival at Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6NA
Now in its 14th year, the Arley Garden Festival is a true horticultural highlight in the gardener's calendar. There's a Floral Marquee of award-winning displays, specialist nurseries for plants both edible and decorative, a gardeners' road show and question time and tours of the gardens personally conducted by Lord Ashbrook himself.
Contact 01565 777 353
www.arleyhallandgardens.com
The Royal Show
Tuesday 7 July - Friday 10 July 2009
Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
The Royal Show is about food, farming and rural life - so expect a farmers market, and Food & Drink Hall packed with British treats, rare-breed animals, tastings and cookery demonstrations, even show-jumping and displays in the Grand Ring.
www.royalshow.org.uk
World Peashooting Championships
Saturday 11 July 2009
The Village Green, Witcham, Cambridgeshire
Try your target skills at the World Peahsooting Championships in Witcham, now approachng its 40th year. You can buy your peashooter and peas there (although why not make your own?) and practice before trying to hit the 12" target 12 feet away. There's a BBQ, stalls and traditional family entertainment to keep everyone else occupied while you shoot.
Entry £1 (Juniors 50p)
www.witcham.org.uk
Dorset Seafood Festival
Saturday 11-Sunday 12 July 2009
Festival at Brewers Quay, Hope Square, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8TR
Dorset's Seafood Festival has to be one of the fishy highlights in any foodie's calendar. There's cookery demonstrations from Mark Hix and Mitch Tonks, filleting demonstrations, wine-matching, a fresh fish auction and the Seafood Village with tastings of local Dorset fish and shellfish, including crab, lobster and oysters.
Contact 01305 785 747 info@weymoutholdharbour.co.uk
www.dorsetseafood.co.uk
Pontefract Liquorice Festival
Sunday 12 July 2009
Festival at Pontefract Town Centre, Yorkshire WF8 1PG
Pontefract plays host to the Liquorice Festival - your chance to sample real Yorkshire liquorice. There are tastings, locally-produced liquorice products and plants to buy, food stalls and all kinds of activities and street entertainment - even a liquorice Dalek - to keep the kids entertained.
Entry Free
www.experiencewakefield.co.uk
Mortimer Country Food Fair
Saturday 11 July 2009
Manor Barn, Brampton Bryan, Shropshire SY7 0DH
The Mortimer Country Food Fair celebrates the best of Hereford and Shropshire's local, seasonal produce, including wonderful local fresh cherries. As well as food talks, local food stalls and a BBQ, there's a young cooks' kitchen, live music and of course, you can browse the bookery.
Entry Free
www.mortimercountryfoodfare.com
Black Cherry Fair
Saturday 11 July 2009
Festival at Abbey Field, Staines Lane, Chertsey, Surrey KT16
The Black Cherry Fair in Chertsey dates back to the 15th century and remains a much-loved local event. Local girls are pronounced Black Cherry Princesses in a procession to Abbey Field, where there will be music, a market and traditional entertainments. Next year, look out for cherry pies and food stalls.
Contact admin@blackcherryfair.com
www.blackcherryfair.com
Brogdale Cherry Festival
Saturday 11 July - Sunday 12 July 2009
Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ
Home of the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale are celebrating the British cherry in style. There will be cooking demonstrations, fruit tastings, talks, tours and walks through the orchards and – naturally – the opportunity to buy cherries of every kind.
Contact 01795 536 250
www.brogdale.org
Park Farm Cherry Day
Sunday 12 July 2009, 12-4pm
Park Farm Cherry Orchard, Lynsted, Sittingbourne, Kent
One of the rare delights of cherry season can be PYO – although they can be hard to find. However, Park Farm Cherry Orchard are inviting you to come and pick your own on their annual Cherry Day. If you’re feeling less energetic, the cherries can be bought ready-picked.
Contact info@lynsted-orchard.org.uk
www.lynsted-orchard.org.uk
FoodLoversBritain.com CherryAid National Cherry Day
Thursday 16 July - Saturday 18 July 2009
Borough Market, London
CherryAid, launched by FoodLovers Britain, thanks to the success of CherryAid 2008, continues this year with a three-day celebration at Borough Market. Join us there or look out for events across the country celebrating the glorious English cherry on National Cherry Day with our CherryBake. Register here to take part
Watch this space for more events happening during the cherry season in 2009 and contact us if you have an event you would like listed or any information you would like on CherryAid.
FoodLovers Britain CherryAid
The Whitstable Oyster Festival
Saturday 18 July - Saturday 25 July 2009
Whitstable, Kent
Whitstable is famous - and rightly so - for its oysters. Their annual food event is a real must-visit - not only for the oysters, but the Oyster Parade, live music, tastings and demonstrations, Oyster Lacemakers, crabbing, special menus in pubs and restaurants and even the Oyster Festival mega-Quiz. Can you resist?
www.whitstableoysterfestival.com
78th Cherry & Soft Fruit Show
Friday 17 July - Sunday 19 July 2009
The County Agricultural Showground, Detling, Maidstone, Kent
The Cherry & Soft Fruit Show is held in conjunction with the Kent County Agricultural Show. Their competition for the best cherry exhibit is open to both traditional and modern, white and black varieties. Other areas to explore include 'Why Farming Matters' - farm to fork, as it were, a Countryside area and even 'Dancing Diggers'...
www.kentshowground.co.uk
Tapas Fantasticas
Saturday 25 July - Sunday 26 July 2009, from 11.30am
Albert Square, Manchester
Manchester turns Spanish for this two-day extravaganza celebrating all things Espanol. Expect to feast on tapas and Rioja while browsing food stalls from throughout Manchester, the North of England and Spain. visit demonstrations and wine seminars and listen to live music whilst -hopefully- soaking up the sun.
Entry Free
www.winesfromrioja.co.uk/tapasfantasticas
The 2009 British BBQ Championships and Festival
Sunday 26 July 2009
Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3DR
Amateur and professional teams will cook Laverstoke Park's own buffalo and other meat produce in a BBQ competition designed to rival those of the American Deep South. Teams can be made of up to 5 people, and tickets are from £15 per car to enter - with that you get at least lunch on-site. There'll be jazz bands, meaty cook-outs and much more.
www.britishbarbequefestival.com
New House Lane Cherry Orchard Walk
July 2009, To be confirmed
New House Cherry Orchard, New House Lane, Sheldwich,
Take a walk through Church Lane Cherry Orchard, looking at the ecosystems of the traditional orchard with Dan Tuson, author of the newly-published Kent Downs book.
Contact pippa.palmar@kentdowns.org.uk
www.kentdowns.org.uk
Church Lane Orchard Cherry Day
July 2009, To be confirmed
Church Lane Cherry Orchard, Church Lane, Stockbury, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7RD
Celebrate Cherry Day at Stockbury at their all-day Festival of Fruit.
Contact pippa.palmar@kentdowns.org.uk
www.kentdowns.org.uk
Orchards’ Community Play
July, To be confirmed
For a real taste of outdoor theatre, locals will be performing ‘The Orchard Year 70 Years Ago’ amongst the cherry trees.
Contact pippa.palmar@kentdowns.org.uk
www.kentdowns.org.uk
Hampshire Food Festival
Wednesday 1 July - Friday 31 July 2009
Events across Hampshire
Hampshire is cramming hundreds of food events into the month of July to celebrate the best of local Hampshire food and drink. There are farm, brewery and vineyard tours, cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses, farmers markets, farm trails and festival menus in restaurants across the county.
Entry Free, depending on the event
Contact hampshire.fare@hants.gov.uk
www.hampshirefare.co.uk
Foodies at the Festival: Glasgow
Saturday 18 July - Sunday 19 July 2009
George Square, Glasgow
Foodies at the Festival - following the success of their food event last year in Scotland - has gone national, and in July they're at George Square in Glasgow. As well as FoodLovers Approved producers in our FoodLoversBritain.com area, there's a Chefs Theatre with local chefs.
Foodies at the Festival
Fourth Leigh Village Festival
Saturday 18 July 2009, 10am-4pm
Leigh, Nr Sherborne, Dorset
You will be able to taste and buy some of the best food on offer from local producers, on display at the Food Fair. The stallholders will include Alweston Jam and Chutney Empire, Bridfish, Dorset Blue Cheese and Soup Company, Fudges, Gustosecco, Leakers Bakery, Longmeadow Organic Vegetables, Olives Et Al., Reads Coffee Roasters, Sauces of Choice, Sherborne Castle Estate Wines, Somerset Cider Brandy Co, and Three Gates Farm Shop - and look out for cookery demonstrations and more. Mark Hix will be opening the Fair – he is a Dorset boy!!
Entry £1 Children 50p
Contact Mrs Elizabeth Turnbull, Greenham House, Leigh, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6HW Tel/Fax 01935 873 846
Email julian.turnbull@virgin.net
New House Orchard Cherry Day
July 2009, To be confirmed
New House Cherry Orchard, New House Lane, Sheldwich, Faversham, Kent ME13 9QS
Celebrate Cherry Day at Sheldwich with their all-day Festival of Fruit.
Contact pippa.palmar@kentdowns.org.uk
www.kentdowns.org.uk
Flavours of Faversham
July 2009, To be confirmed
Festival in Faversham, Kent
While you're - hopefully - celebrating National Cherry Day at Brogdale, do make sure you take a wander around nearby Faversham to celebrate their local food festival. There's a tour of Shepherd Neame Brewery, a Food Trail around the town and a local producers' market for picking up goodies.
Contact 01795 542 285 flavours@faversham.org
www.faversham.org
The Big Cheese
Friday 24 July - Sunday 26 July 2009
Festival at Crescent Road, Caerphilly CF83 1AB
Set in the shadows of one of Europe's largest medieval castles, The Big Cheese is an extravaganza of food halls, a countryside marquee, street entertainers, living history encampments, music, dance, traditional funfair, folk dancing, falconry, fire eating, minstrels, troubadours and much more.
Entry free
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese
Nantwich International Cheese Show
Tuesday 28 July - Wednesday 29 July 2009
Show at Dorfold Hall Park, Nantwich CW5 8LD
Having begun as a small cheese show over 100 years ago within the market town of Nantwich, the International Cheese Show has expanded so much - as the name suggests - it is now held in a vast marquee on the edge of town. Expect to find cheese from all four corners of the globe, with classes judging everything from Traditional Farmhouse to Stilton. Tuesday is press and trade day; Wednesday is open to the public.
Contact agl4nantwichshow@aol.com
www.nantwichshow.co.uk
Cherry Pie Sunday
First Sunday in August 2009, To be confirmed
Festival at The Plough Inn, Cadsdean Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 0NB
The Plough is the only pub in Buckinghamshire to still hold the traditional Cherry Pie Sunday celebrating the end of the cherry-picking season. It’s a real old-fashioned day out – tug of war, a coconut shy, apple dunkings, vintage tractors and steam engines – and, of course, free cherry pies for everyone who attends.
Contact Steve 01844 343 302
www.ploughatcadsden.com
Huddersfield Food & Drink Festival
Thursday 13 August - Sunday 16 August 2009
St George's Square, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
The biggest food event in West Yorkshire, you can expect over 45 stalls selling local food and drink. Chefs from local restaurants will be giving cookery demonstrations, a children's food theatre and it's open till 6pm every night.
Entry Free
www.foodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
29th British Open Crabbing Championship
Sunday 9 August 2009
Competition at Walberswick, Suffolk
Over a 90 minute period, armed only with a single line and bait of your choice (it can be home-made), the person who lands the heaviest crab wins The British Open Crabbing Championship. You win an engraved silver salver, a gold medal and £50 in prize money, so the small entrance fee is worth it - if you win.
Open Crabbing Championships
World Flounder Tramping Championships
Saturday 1 August 2009
Competition at Glen Isle Peninsula, Palnackie, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Competitors brave the mud flats of the Urr Water estuary to try to catch the heaviest flounder - or the smallest, or the largest - by walking across the mud, trapping the fish beneath their feet. They used to use leisters - three-pronged spears - but these are now disallowed, probably on healthy & safety grounds...
Entry Free
www.visitsouthernscotland.co.uk
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
Saturday 15 August - Sunday 16 August 2009
Festival at Main Sandown - Newport Road, The Fighting Cocks Crossroad, PO30 3AR
The Isle of Wight celebrates its position as the UK’s premier garlic growing region with its very own Isle of Wight Garlic Festival. The centre of attention is the Garlic Marquee, with the Isle of Wight’s Golden Clove, which can be found in abundance, including the popular oak-smoked variety. However, there are many other tempting garlic-flavoured products from mussels and other seafood, bread, beer, ice cream and sausages!
Contact info@garlic-festival.co.uk
www.garlic-festival.co.uk
Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Competition at St Hedda's Schoolroom, Egton Bridge, Yorkshire
The Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show is one of the very few remaining gooseberry shows left, and at over 200 years old, it's a stalwart of the fruit shows. Growers from all over the country compete to win the prize for the heaviest berry - measured in apothecary drams and grains - across all the glorious colour categories.
Entry Free
Contact 01947 810 332
Action Against Hunger London to Paris Bike Ride
Various dates available
By cycling 320km on an epic journey from the centre of London, through our stunning countryside and remote villages to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you can join the fight against hunger with Action Against Hunger, FoodLovers nominated charity.
Contact 020 8293 6133
Action Against Hunger
West Dean Chilli Fiesta
Saturday 8 August - Sunday 9 August 2009
West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
You can't get much hotter than the Chilli Fiesta at West Dean. Over 300 varieties of chillies will be on display to taste, including Wildfire, Titanic, Naga and even Carrot. There's cookery demonstrations, growing tips and products from chocolate to ice cream, including Ouse Valley's Red Chilli Jelly. And there's Latin salsa to keep the tempo high.
Entry £7.25
www.westdean.org.uk
Lakes Chilli Fest
Saturday 15 August - Sunday 16 August 2009
Levens Hall, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 0PD
Anything and everything chilli is on sale to buy or eat at the Chilli Fest at Levens Hall. Think traditional produce with a twist, including sauces, jams, chocolate, ice cream and beer. There will be cookery demonstrations, chilli plants to take home of every variety and salsa dancing to get you in the rhythm.
Entry Free
www.levenshall.co.uk
Pershore Plum Festival
Saturday 1 August - Monday 31 August 2009
Festival at Pershore, Worcestershire
The Pershore Plum Fair runs throughout the whole of the month of August, culminating in a grand finale of Pershore Plum Fayre on August Bank Holiday. There's an exhibition touring through Pershore, a plethora of plum varieties to try and trees to grow your own, a plum stone rhyming competition, treasure hunt and a farmers market.
Entry Free
www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk
Foodies at the Festival: Edinburgh
21-23 August 2009
Edinburgh, venue TBC
Foodies at the Festival continues its success from 2008, this time with a FoodLoversBritain.com area full of FoodLovers Approved producers. Make the most of gorgeous Scottish food and drink with whisky and real ale tastings, a local produce market with chefs from local restaurants advising on their best dishes, a cookery theatre and, of course, plenty to eat and drink.
Foodies at the Festival
Local Flavours Festival
Tuesday 1 September - Wednesday 30 September 2009
Across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
This is the first Local Flavours Festival, celebrating the local food and drink across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Details are still to be confirmed but look out for promotions, events, demonstrations and more at restaurants, hotels, producers, pubs and shops throughout September.
www.local-flavours.net www.local-food.net
Worcester Feast
Friday 4 September - Sunday 6 September 2009
Worcester Cathedral and The Commandery, Worcester
The first Worcester Feast looks set to be a real treat for Food Lovers in the area. There's masses going on, from Great Pie Hunts, Real Ale Trail, Wine School and a Champagne Garden, Food Theatre and over 120 local producers showcasing their food and drink - all set in the ground of the beautiful cathedral.
www.worcesterfeast.com
The Really Wild Food & Countryside Festival
Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Festival Fields, Whitesands Road, St Davids, Pembrokeshire SA62 6BP
Get back in touch with the countryside at The Really Wild Food & Countryside Festival in Pembrokeshire - a unique food event. Eat it, cook it, learn about it, even play with it - all within sight of the sea. Enjoy a day of foraging for culinary delights, and much more.
Entry £3
www.reallywildfestival.co.uk
A Thought for Food
September 2009, To be confirmed
Festival at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DX
The lawns of Stansted Park will be turned into a traditional English village - complete with nadstand of course - to celebrate the first Thought for Food. You'll find over 100 local and regional food producers, selling everything from Dorset blueberries to local seafood. a kids' cookery school, demonstrations, wine tastings and even a charity tea dance.
www.athoughtforfood.co.uk
Action Against Hunger Sony Erisccon's Run to the Beat
Sunday 27 September 2009
Greenwich, London
Join Action Against Hunger - FoodLovers' nominated charity - at the Greenwich-based Run to the Beat London half marathon. Thousands of eager runners will take part, hopefully encouraged by the live music along the route.
Contact 020 8293 6133
Action Against Hunger
Totally Tomato Show
Saturday 5 September - Sunday 6 September 2009
West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ
If you're a tomato fan, you'll be in heaven at the Totally Tomato Show at West Dean. With over 150 varieties on show from the walled kitchen garden and Victorian glasshouses, revelling in glorious names such as Brandywine and Purple Calabash, there will also be cookery demonstrations, growing tips and tastings and tomatoes and tomato-based products, including those by Ouse Valley, to buy.
Contact 01243 818 210
www.westdean.org.uk
Lobster & Crab Feast
Sunday 6 September 2009
Festival at Clovelly, Devon
Bideford Bay lobsters (whose numbers have happily increased three-fold since a no-take zone was introduced), a seafod kitchen on the quay, crab demonstrations, fresh fish stalls, wine tastings - all part of the Lobster & Crab Feast in Clovelly when the local seafood is at its best.
ww2.clovelly.co.uk
Ludlow Food Festival
Friday 11 September - Sunday 13 September 2009, 10am start
Festival at Ludlow, Shropshire
With more than 130 of the region's best food and drink producers, Ludlow Marches Food Festival is considered by many to be the top foodie destination festivals on the calendar. With taste workshops, cookery demonstrations, a food fair in Ludlow Castle and food trails on everything from sausages to beer, you can be sure your tastebuds will be challenged. Look out for Black Mountains Smokery and other FoodLoversBritain.com Approved producers
Entry from £5.50
Contact info@foodfestival.co.uk
www.foodfestival.co.uk
Speciality & Fine Food Fair
Sunday 6 September - Tuesday 8 September 2009
Fair at Grand Hall Olympia, London
A real boon for the trade, The Speciality & Fine Food Fair - now in its 9th year - continues to showcase the best in the business. This year there will be 700 producers offering their produce as well as the new Speciality Chocolate Fair, Great Taste Awards and the Fine Food Forum.
Entry Free - Not open to members of the public
www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk
South Gloucestershire Local Food & Drink Festival
September 2009
Festival throughout South Gloucestershire
Visit a farm, bakery or brewery and see where your local food and drink is produced or watch
Local Food & Drink Festival
FishstockBrixham
September 2009
Festival at Fish Quay, Brixham, Devon
FishstockBrixham is the first evet Seafood & Music Festival. A true 'boat to throat' experience and part of National Seafood Fortnight, look out for the seafood and drink pavilion, cookery classes, fresh fish stalls, with a music festival in the evening.
Entry £5
www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk
Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery
September 2009
Conference at St Catherine's College, Oxford
This year's Oxford Symposium focuses on Vegetables: as foodstuffs, symbols and as part of the whole of the human diet, with discussion on ideas such as bio-diversity, history, vegetarianism in all its guises, global spread, science and agriculture.
Contact patsy@oxfordsymposium.org.uk
www.oxfordsymposium.org.uk
World Black Pudding Throwing Championships
September 2009
Competition at The Royal Oak, Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire
The aim of the Black Pudding Throwing Championships - the principal ingredient being famously made in nearby Bury - is to throw a black pudding 'swaddled' or wrapped in tights at a collection of Yorkshire puddings on a 20 foot high plinth against the side of the pub. Whoever knocks down the most wins in this foodie take on skittles.
Contact a.frost@bury.gov.uk
World Black Pudding Throwing Championships
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Saturday 26 September - Sunday 4 October 2009
Festival along the East Suffolk coast
A week-long celebration of the best food and drink East Suffolk has to offer - taking place along the coast from Southwold to Woodbridge - culminates in a two-day extravaganza at Snape Maltings. Over 70 producers will be offering goodies, there are tastings, demonstrations, workshops and even trips out.
www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk
Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival
19th - 20th September 2009
Festival at The Stade Fishing Beach, Old Town, Hastings, East Sussex
This winner of the TSE sponsored Tourism ExSEllence Award in the 'Flavour of the South East' category is perfect for a lazy summer's day at the beach. The Seafood & Wine Festival offers a fresh fish and game barbecue, stalls selling local seafood and a wine tent with English wine from Carr Taylor Vineyards, all against a background of jazz.
www.visit1066country.com
Feast of Dorset
Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 September 2009
Deans Court, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1EE
In the rambling gardens of Deans Court, Feast of Dorset has put together a real taste of the West Country for you to explore. Chefs, horticulturalists, food and drink producers, restaurateurs, food writers - all celebrating good food and drink in the local area. Look out for The Exmouth Mussel Company, while you're there.
Entry Day Pass £5 Weekend Pass £12
www.feastofdorset.co.uk
Stratford-upon-Avon Festival of Food
Friday 25 September - Sunday 27 September 2009
Recreation Ground, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
With an idyllic riverside setting, Stratford-upon-Avon's Festival of Food event returns in 2009, with a firm focus on local produce. Chefs from nearby hotels will showcase their work and the new Marketplace Marquee will feature local producers and exhibitors.
Entry TBC
Contact julie@stratfordtcm.co.uk
www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk
Abergavenny Food Festival
Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 September 2009
Abergavenny, Wales
Over 50 food-themed events are on offer at the Abergavenny Food Festival, with everything from a cheese and wine show, street food, cookery competitions and demonstrations and food sculpture. Look out for FoodLoversBritain.com Approved producers including Black Mountains Smokery
Contact 01873 850805
www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com
RSPCA Freedom Food Farm Animal Week
September 2009
RSPCA Freedom Food Farm Animal Week highlights how just a few small changes to your food shopping can bring about real change for farm animals. There are events around the country - see below for details. For more information on Farm Animal Week, to calculate your animal welfare footprint, recipes and for FoodLovers Approved Freedom Food Producers, see our Freedom Food page.
Levels' Best Food Market
September 2009, To be confirmed
Market at Old Stable Courtyard, Montacute House, Yeovil, Somerset
Richard Guest, chef at nearby Taunton House, will be at Levels' Best Market in Somerset, signing copies of his book Jam with Lamb and give away signed recipe cards. Drop in and browse the food market, full of local food and drink.
Contact Somerset Food Links 01458 241 401
www.levelsbest.co.uk
The Pomegranate Tree
Culinary Evening at The Cookbook Cafe, The Intercontinental, London
Join chefs Paul Merrett and Theo Randall for a culinary evening - cocktails, cookery demonstrations, cooking and wine tips and tastings and the chance to bid for a top chef to cook in your own home. All proceeds to the Medical Foundation, for the care of victims of torture.
Entry £68
Contact events@torturecare.org.uk 020 7697 7755
www.torturecare.org.uk/thepomegranatetree
Great British Cheese Festival
September 2009, To be confirmed
Festival at Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, Wales
The Great British Cheese Festival is one of the largest cheese celebrations in the country and, for the first time, has moved to dramatic Cardiff Castle. The cheese market has over 460 different cheeses to taste and buy, there are cheesemaking demonstrations and workshops and every kind of cheese accompaniment you might think of. Take a look at our Championing Cheese page for more places to buy and eat.
www.thecheeseweb.com
Cornwall Food & Drink Festival
September 2009
Festival at Festival Marquee, Lemon Quay, Truro, Cornwall
Now in its fifth year, the Cornwall Food & Drink Festival boasts over 60 food producers whose food and drink you can sample and buy. This year they are opening a Michelin table - seven local chefs will create a unique lunch menu for 10 paying guests. Of course there's pasty-crimping contests, a goats meat cookery demonstration and a local vs continental cheese tasting competition.
www.cornwallfoodanddrinkfestival.com
South Somerset Food Festival
September 2009
Festival in South Somerset
There's masses going on in South Somerset to celebrate the area's local food and drink. There's foodie walks, cider tastings, food matching, pig demonstrations and butchery, Spudfest, a wild food day and the Apple Fayre and seafood festival if you're still feeling perky.
www.southsomersetfoodfestival.com
Manchester Food and Drink Festival
Thursday 1 October - Monday 12 October 2009
Venues across Manchester
Manchester Food and Drink Festival, now in its 12th year, is an established 11-day celebration of all that is exciting and innovative on the Manchester food scene. A huge programme of events take place throughout the city, with the hub around Albert Square and the Festival Pavilion for tastings, dems and more.
Entry Individual events may be priced
www.foodanddrinkfestival.com
East Midlands Food and Drink Festival
Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 October 2009
Brooksby Hall, Brooksby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2LJ
The East Midlands Food and drink Festival is the largest regional food event going. Naturally you can see expert pork pie-makers amongst the demonstrations, master butchery classes, wine tastings, book signings and more. More details to come on their website.
Entry £5 (£6 on the door)
www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk
Action Against Hunger Fine Wine Auction
Saturday 10 October 2009
1 Lombard Street Restaurant, London
A blend of the UK's top restaurateurs and sommeliers team up to host a one-off evening to help Action Against Hunger - FoodLovers nominated charity. Chefs including Herbert Berger will prepare a four-course feast, accompanied by fine wines before the real action starts - a fine wine auction with some of the rarest and most collectable vintages up for grabs.
Contact 020 8293 6133
Action Against Hunger
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Sunday 11 October 2009
Starting and finishing at Hyde Park, London
The second London Half Marathon takes place this October in Hyde Park - look out for our FoodLoversBritain.com Food Market with FoodLovers Approved producers to browse and buy from.
www.royalparkshalf.com
Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 25 October 2009
Hereford Race Course, Herefordshire
With over 70 independent local producers, Flavours of Herefordshire is a real taste of the region. There'll be a Farmers Market, featuring FoodLoversBritain.com Approved producers such as Black Mountains Smokery, cooking demonstrations, talks and tastings in the Cider Press, where you can press your own cider. Join a Food Trail, carve pumpkins or apple bob - it's seasonal autumn produce on a plate.
Contact 01568 797 842 queenswoodtic@herefordshire.gov.uk
www.visitherefordshire.co.uk
The Bidwells Norwich & Norfolk Food Festival
October 2009, To be confirmed
Across Norwich
Supporting local food and drink producers across the county, The Bidwells Norwich & Norfolk Food Festival is running for a whole week this year, with food tastings, chef demonstrations and special menus on offer.
Contact tourism@visitnorwich.co.uk
www.visitnorwich.co.uk
Dartmouth Food Festival
October 2009, To be confirmed
Festival at Market Square, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 9QE
With the ports of Brixham and Dartmouth on one side, offering the freshest local seafood, the River Dart's shellfish, the rolling hills of the South Hams providing beef and lamb, Dartmouth Food Festival certainly has it all. The whole town comes to life for a weekend of food and drink heaven, with local chefs cooking up a storm in the Market Square.
www.dartmouthfoodfestival.co.uk
The Golden Spurtle Porridge Making Championships
October 2009, TBC
Contest at Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland
It's perhaps not doubted that the Scottish make the best porridge, so who better to hold the 16th annual Porridge Making Championships. Entrants must make 1 pint of traditional porridge with their choice of oatmeal - not oat flakes - and they are judged on consistency, colour and taste. The winner receives - of course - the Golden Spurtle Award.
www.goldenspurtle.com
National Chocolate Week
October 2009, TBC
With a particular focus on British chocolatiers, National Chocolate Week will be taking place in chocolate shops around the country. Look out for talks, tastings, demonstrations, sculptures - almost anything and everything chocolate-based. There are special offers and discounts available in nominated shops.
www.chocolate-week.co.uk
Aberfoyle International Mushroom Festival
October 2009, TBC
Festival at Aberfoyle, The Trossachs, Scotland
The annual mushroom festival in Aberfoyle usually has an international flavour to accompany the fungi forays, wine tastings and cookery demonstrations. For more on foraging, visit our Uncover the Wild feature.
Contact enquiries@visitaberfoyle.com
www.visitaberfoyle.com
Cider Making Festival
October 2009, TBC
Festival at The Cider Museum, Pomona Place, Hereford, HR4 0LW
The traditions of cider-making are coming back into fashion. See it for yourself at the Cider Museum in Hereford, where they will be holding demonstrations, tutored tastings, giving away samples of cider and cider brandy. Look out for other countryside activites, including blacksmithing and children's activities. Check out Falling for Apples on making your own cider.
Contact enquiries@cidermuseum.co.uk
www.cidermuseum.co.uk
Waterperry Apple Weekend
October 2009, TBC
Festival at Waterperry Gardens, Wheatley, Oxfordshire
Get your mystery apples identified by the professionals at the Apple Weekend at Waterperry Gardens. They grow over 50 varieties themselves, and are offering orchard tours and advice on growing apples as part of the festivities.
For more information on apples, open our Little Green Book - Falling for Apples
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Apple Affair
October 2009, To be confirmed
Festival at West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex
West Dean's walled Victorian kitchen garden grows over 100 varieties of apples, all of which will be on display and featuring in the various apple-based food and drink goodies on sale during the weekend.
For more information on apples, open our Little Green Book - Falling for Apples
www.westdean.org.uk
The Big Apple
October 2009, To be confirmed
Festival around Much Marcle, Herefordshire
The Big Apple weekend is one of the biggest apple celebrations in the country. Tour the villages around Much Marcle - the main events will be centred around the Grand Barn in Hellens - for apple tastings, apple trails, cider tastings, apple ID, orchard walks and much more.
For more information on apples, open our Little Green Book - Falling for Apples
www.bigapple.org.uk
National Baking Week
October 2009, To be confirmed
Rosemary Shrager of Swinton Park Cookery School is launching National Baking Week this year. You'll find Rosemary's tips and recipes on the website, as well as the Baking Blog, to re-discover the joy of baking your own.
www.nationalbakingweek.com
Pumpkin & Halloween Olympics
October 2009, To be confirmed
Festival at Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6NA
If you couldn't get to Beijing, you should still be able to make it to Arley Hall's Pumpkin Olympics. There's athletic events - with pumpkins - organised including shotput and bowling, and there's also the Pumpkin Challenge with prizes for the biggest, best decorated and best lantern.
www.arleyhallandgardens.com
Devon Celebration of Food - Free Champagne!!
October 2008, To Be Confirmed
Dinner at The Red Lion, The Quay, Clovelly, Devon EX39 5TF
FREE CHAMPAGNE
Here is a simple way to brighten up your October. Get over to the Red Lion at Clovelly and tuck into a seafood platter for only £10.50! With it comes a fine glass of champagne, “on the house”. Turn up for lunch and enjoy a real treat at a modest price. And as for freshness, the Clovelly fishermen land their catches right alongside the Red Lion, so the quality is supreme. It is therefore not surprising that seafood is the top choice in the Harbour Restaurant and why it has been chosen as the Clovelly dish for the Devon Celebration of Food. Reserve a table on 01237 431237.
Wimborne Food Festival
October / November 2008, To Be Confirmed
Wimborne Minster Green & The Cornmarket, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1HT
Events taking place throughout the week of Wimborne Food Festival include farm tours, food and drink tastings, Victorian cooking, a Food Factory and Event Tent and cookery demonstrations as well as a local food market in The Cornmarket selling the best of local food and drink.
Entry Free
Contact info@wimbornefoodfestival.co.uk
www.wimbornefoodfestival.co.uk
BBC Good Food Show Scotland
30th October - 1st November 2009
Show at SECC, Glasgow, Scotland
The BBC Good Food Show is back in Scotland. Look out for Taste masterclasses, The Great British Food Festival, a Farmers Market and the Winter Kitchen with top chefs demonstrating throughout the weekend.
BBC Good Food Show Scotland
British Sausage Week
Monday 2 November - Sunday 8 November 2009
Events around the country
Cold, dark, rainy - November is a great time to hunker down with a plate of proper British bangers. And what better time during British Sausage Week? Look out for sausage tastings, cooking demonstrations, offers, menus and competitions around the country during the week. For FoodLoversBritain.com Approved sausages, search FoodFinds.
www.britishsausageweek.com
Spirit of Christmas Fair
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
Olympia, Kensington, London, W14 8UX
Practically a one-stop shop for all your Christmas shopping, don't forget to swing by the Food Hall which will be full of local and regional food and drink producers.
www.spiritofchristmasfair.com
Sponsored Dog Walk
November 2008, To Be Confirmed
London
Celebrating 'Kukur Tihar' - The Day of the Dog - the walk will include up to 108 dogs (a sacred number in Buddhism) and money raised will be divided between the Arts Centre and the Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre in Nepal.
www.kathmanduarts.org
BBC Good Food Show London
Friday 13 November - Sunday 15 November 2009
Show at Olympia, London
There will be stalls where you can taste and buy products from a host of national and regional producers, as well as talks and demonstrations from top celebrity chefs.
BBC Good Food Show London
Christmas Shopping at The Gallery
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
The Gallery, By the Meadow Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire OX13 6RP
Champagne, mince pies, carol singers... what more could you want to ease the stress of Christmas Shopping? The Gallery are open, with a Christmas market selling presents for everyone from Food Lovers to kids, gardening fanatics to music aficionados... Make sure you pop in to the Old Farmhouse Bakery to stock up on their fabulous bread.
Entry Free
www.thegallerysteventon.co.uk
Clovelly Herring Festival
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
Festival at Clovelly, Bideford, North Devon EX39 5SY
Herrings were once the staple economy of Clovelly; they now celebrate this king of fish to help safeguard the livelihoods of the local fishermen and promote this much-underrated fish. There's a kitchen on the quay, shanty singers, food stalls and competitions, Devon cider by the bucket-load and a traditional smokehouse.
Contact suehaworth@aol.com
www.clovelly.co.uk
Fruit: Edible, Inedible, Incredible
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
Lecture at Jodrell Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
An illustrated lecture on the key role of fruit in nature.
www.kew.org.uk
BBC Good Food Show Birmingham
November 2009, To Be Confimed
Show at NEC, Birmingham
This year's Birmingham Good Food Show features tastings from wine experts and the Great British Food Festival as well as presents and foodie treats perfect for Christmas.
BBC Good Food Show Birmingham
Cheslea Physic Garden Christmas Fair 2009
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS
Enjoy the Chelsea Physic Garden in winter - right about now the grapefruit and pomegranate trees will be fruiting, jewel-like in the garden. Look out for Christmas stocking-fillers such as cashmere scarves and gloves, as well as mince pies and mulled wine galore.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Bath Christmas Market
November - December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, Bath
In the shadow of glorious Bath Abbey, the Bath Christmas Market is really going to town this year. There'll be over 120 stalls of food and gifts, mulled wine, mince pies... the works.
www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
Tastes of Lincolnshire Christmas Food & Drink Fair
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
With over 100 stalls with everything you might need for a groaning festive table, Tastes of Lincolnshire is well worth a visit. Look out for inspiration at cookery demonstrations, a class in cake decorating, the Christmas cafe, and - of course - mountains of local food and drink.
www.tastesoflincolnshire.com
The Winchester Christmas Family Fayre
November 2009, To Be Confirmed
The Winchester Guildhall, Broadway, High Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9GH
The Winchester Christmas Family Fayre is definitely one for the whole family. As well as catching up on your Christmas food shopping, there'll be opportunities to buy presents, meet - and be photographed with Father Christmas - and enter the prize draw raffle.
www.christmasfamilyfayre.co.uk
Fowey Christmas Market
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
In and around Fowey, Cornwall
Christmas shopping need not be a painful experience. Browse Fowey Christmas Market, set right by the river, for local Cornish food and drink to stock up before the big day.
Contact Alan@dibbevents.co.uk
www.foweymarket.co.uk
Great Yorkshire Cookery Competition 2010
Details To Be Confirmed
Yorkshire
The search is on for three of Yorkshire’s most inventive and inspiring professional, amateur and junior chefs as the prestigious Great Yorkshire Cookery Competition for 2010 is launched.
www.greatyorkshirecookerycompetition.co.uk
Lincoln Christmas Market
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Christmas Market at Cathedral Quarter, Lincoln
Taking its cue from the traditional German markets, Lincoln Christmas Market will be infused with the scent of mulled wine, spices and candles, but with a firm focus on local Lincolnshire food.
Entry Free
Contact 05122 873 400
www.lincoln.gov.uk/christmas
Gordon Ramsay's Taste of Christmas
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Excel, London
If you're a fan of all things Gordon, don't miss Gordon's Taste of Christmas at Excel. As well as cookery demonstrations in his theatre, there will be wine tastings and a host of stalls selling festive food and drink.
Gordon's Taste of Christmas
29th Cancer Research Great Christmas Pudding Race
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
West Piazza, Covent Garden, London
Teams of six, often wearing fancy dress neogiate a challenging obstacle course through Covent Garden whilst balancing a Christmas Pudding on a tray. The aim is to get to the end of the course with your pudding still on its tray, having completed all the necessary challenges on the way round - not as easy as it sounds...
Contact Helena@xmaspuddingrace.org.uk
www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk
Tree Dressing Day
Saturday 5 December - Sunday 6 December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Across the country
The first full weekend in December is devoted to Tree Dressing, a country-wide event inspired by Common Ground. Trees are selected in villages, towns, markets - anywhere in fact - and you can turn up to decorate it with whatever you fancy - lights, ribbons - anything you can think of.
Common Ground
Belgravia Christmas Sunday
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street & Pimlico Road
Get into the spirit of Christmas at Belgravia Christmas Sunday Highlights include the Pimlico Green Farmers Market, street entertainment, choirs and roast chestnuts.
www.motcombstreet.co.uk
Hearts First Santa Jogs
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Taking place around the country
Hearts First Santa Jogs
Sotheby's Wine Auction
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Sothebys' Auction, New Bond Street, London
Treat yourself - or someone you like very very much - to some fine wines for Christmas and the New Year at the Fine and Rare Wines Auction at Sotheby's.
www.sothebys.co.uk
The Fourth National Food Markets Conference
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
The National Food Markets Conference is a key event designed to challenge delegates and government to think about local food, local producers and food markets at the heart of our communities and the role they should play. There'll be debates, workshops and keynote presentations.
Contact Matthew.Owen@civicregeneration.co.uk
www.nationafoodmarketsconference.co.uk
Caerphilly Medieval Market
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Caerphilly Town Centre & Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly, Wales CF83 1JD
Go back in time and visit Caerphilly's Medieval Christmas Market, a food event focused around the town centre and castle.
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/christmas
William Curley Masterclass
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Just in time for Christmas, learn how to make your own chocolates to take home with master Patissier and Chocolatier William Curley.
www.chocolatedelight.co.uk
Cwmcarn Mince Pie Walk
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Cwmcarn Visitor Centre, Cwmcarn Forest Drive, Nantcorn Road, Cwmcarn, Cross Keys, Newport NP11 7FA
Join the staff of Cwmcarn Visitor Centre for an exhilerating 6.5 mile walk to Twmbarlwm, with hot chocolate and mince pies at the end as an incentive.
Contact 01495 272 001
www.forestry.gov.uk
York Christmas Farmers Market
Christmas 2009, To Be Confirmed
All the producers at York's farmers' market come from within a 40 mile radius, so you can guarantee the meat, vegetables, turkey, pies - whatever you buy - will not only be local but daisy-fresh for Christmas Day itself.
www.york.gov.uk/markets
Christmas Past at The Geffrye Museum
Christmas 2009, To Be Confirmed
The Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, London E2
Experience Christmas over the past 400 years at The Geffrye Museum, where they authentically decorate each of their 11 rooms with a different period - albeit Christmassy - theme.
Entry Free
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
St Nicholas Market
Christmas 2009, To Be Confirmed
St Nicholas Street & Corn Street, Bristol
Corn Street and the aptly named St Nicholas Street play host to a range of Christmassy markets throughout the season.
www.visitbristol.co.uk
Slow Food Market at Southbank
Christmas 2009, To Be Confirmed
Southbank Centre Square, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, SE1
The Southbank is hosting a Christmas Market in conjunction with Slow Food in the run up to the Big Day. They will be selling food from all over Europe, from raw milk cheeses and biodynamic wine to artisan breads and rare breed meats.
Entry Free
www.southbanklondon.com
Ramblers' Association Festival of Winter Walks
December 2009 - January 2010, To Be Confirmed
This 21st year of the Ramblers' Association Festival of Winter Walks is the perfect opportunity to get out and about after Christmas to walk off the excess. From gentle 4-mile mince pie walks to rather more strenuous 14-mile hikes, grab the chance to take a stroll through our glorious countryside - now all we need is snow!
www.ramblers.org.uk
Henry VIII Tudor Christmas
December 2009, To Be Confirmed
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
The time between Christmas and New Year can be a little slow, but Hampton Court Palace are taking up the slack with this exhibition of Henry VIII's Christmas. Join in or watch from the sidelines as courtiers vie for the King's attention, the Tudor Kitchens prepare a royal banquet, or take a stroll around the gardens - stunning even in mid-winter.
Entry Included in the admission ticket
www.hrp.org.uk
Oxford Farming Conference: The Future of Farming is in Your Hands
January 2010, To Be Confirmed
The 64th Oxford Farming Conference will, as ever, be a highlight in the agricultural food industry event calendar. This year's speakers are yet to be announced.
www.ofc.org.uk
Hampshire Potato Day
January 2010, To Be Confirmed
Hampshire
Start planning your potato planting at the Hampshire Potato Day. Expect talks, planting and growing advice, over 140 varieties of potato, including organic, a potato seed swap, competitions and much more.
Hampshire Potato Day
Farmhouse Breakfast Week
January 2010, To Be Confirmed
Events across the country
Everyone knows the importance of a good breakfast, but even more important during Farmhouse Breakfast Week is where your breakfast comes from. If you are passionate about using the best regional breakfast produce, you can search for your bacon, sausages and eggs on FoodFinds.
www.farmhousebreakfastweek.com
Burns Night
Sunday 25 January 2010
Look out for Burns Night whisky and food events across the country. If you fancy celebrating at home, we've got our FoodLovers Guide to Burns Night, with places to buy haggis and whisky, recipes and even bagpipes...
National Dairy Week
Monday February 2010, To Be Confirmed
National Dairy Week will be highlighting the importance of making sure you get a balanced diet, full of the nutrition you need, specifically including calcium from yoghurt, cheese and milk. Recommedations are 700mg/day of calcium for a healthy adult - make sure you get yours with FoodLovers Approved yoghurt and milk producers, or visit Championing Cheese for more inspiration
National Dairy Week
National Bramley Apple Week
February 2010, To Be Confirmed
Celebrate the nation's favourite cooking apple and a true British icon this week with events up and down the country. There are plenty of recipes on the website to help you celebrate and don't forget to check out Falling for Apples for more information
www.bramleyapples.co.uk
National Chip Week
February 2010, To Be Confirmed
If diet month is officially over, you have the perfect excuse to indulge. Vote for your favourite chips, whether from a takeaway, pub or even restaurant and nominate them for the Golden Chip award.
www.lovechips.co.uk
The World's Original Marmalade Day 2010
February 2010, To Be Confirmed
Dalemain House & Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0HB
Brighten up the bleak midwinter with a visit to the Marmalade Festival in Cumbria. There's a citrus-themed market, tastings, workshops and the Marmalade Competition. And what would a marmalade festival be without Paddington Bear? His themed games are guaranteed to keep the kids happy.
www.marmaladefestival.com
Olney Pancake Race
Shrove Tuesday 2010, To Be Confirmed
Market Place, Olney, Buckinghamshire MK46 4EF
Legend has it that the Olney Pancake Race started over 500 years ago when a harassed housewife heard the shriving bell and rushed to the church still clutching her frying pan and pancake in it. The 415 yard dash from the market place to the church starts at 11.55am precisely on Shrove Tuesday. To enter, you must be a woman, a resident of Olney and be dressed as a housewife in skirt, apron and head covering, tossing a pancake in a pan.
Make the ultimate Pancake recipe from Gilchesters Organics on Pancake Day
Entry Free
Snowdrop Walk
February - March 2010, To Be Confirmed
Rode Hall, Scholar Green, Cheshire ST7 3QP
Herald the start of Spring with a gentle stroll through 40 varieties of snowdrops, hellebores, early daffodils and rhododendrons at Rode Hall. The All Saints Parish Church will be decorated for the month with snowdrops and candlelight for a truly spectacular sight.
Contact enquiries@rodehall.co.uk
www.rodehall.co.uk
Rye Bay Scallop Festival
February 2010, To Be Confirmed
Rye, East Sussex
The cold winter months might make us miserable, but they are prime time for scallops and other shellfish. Cheer yourself up at the Rye Bay Scallop Festival, where you can feast on shellfish on special tasting menus, watch cooking demonstrations and more.
Entry Free
www.ryebayscallops.co.uk
Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink & Rhubarb
February 2010, To Be Confirmed
Wakefield Town Centre, Yorkshire
Back bigger and better than ever, The Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink & Rhubarb is - naturally - all about their Champagne rhubarb, in season right now. Look out for talks and tastings on rhubarb cheese, displays on medieval food, cookery demonstrations and much more. For more on Champagne rhubarb, see our February In Season.
www.wakefield.gov.uk
Fairtrade Fortnight
February - March 2010, To Be Confirmed
Support Fairtrade Fortnight, an annual food event, by ensuring that your groceries such as tea, coffee, chocolate, herbs and spices, honey and even yoghurt are fairly-traded. As ever, there'll be lots of events around the country showing the diversity of what is available as fairtrade.
www.fairtrade.org.uk
The Great Hampshire Sausage, Pie & Ready Meal Competition
March 2010, To Be Confirmed
Judging at Saxony Hall, Sparsholt College, Winchester SO21 2NF
Organised by Hampshire Fare, they're asking Hampshire shoppers to get your local independent butcher to enter this year's competition for the Supreme Champion Award. Categories include sausages, hot and cold pies, bacon, ready meals and barbecue products and are judged by a team of professional sausage makers from across the UK. The key is to think local - use Hampshire beer, cider, cheese and chutneys.
Contact Tim Brock 01962 845 999 tim.brock@hants.gov.uk
www.hampshirefare.co.uk
Real Food Festival 2010
Friday 7 May - Sunday 9 May 2010
Festival at
Following on from the success of 2009, The Real Food Festival returns to
www.realfoodfestival.co.uk