Westbridge Park – the Festival’s vibrant heart...
Friday 30th September - noon till 8.00 pm
Saturday 1st October and Sunday 2nd October - 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Over the years, the Stone Food & Drink Festival has grown to not only encompass events throughout the entire town; with numerous local pubs, bars, restaurants and businesses getting into the spirit and hosting their own food-focused events, but has also become a full week of foodie celebrations, with events and activities taking place in the five days running up to festival weekend.
However, over the ‘big weekend’ the heart of the festival remains the Westbridge Park area. From midday Friday right through to Sunday evening there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained from shopping and tasting opportunities through to interactive cookery demonstrations, live music and, naturally, plenty to eat and drink!
Gourmet Marquee
The real ‘hub’ of the festival, the Gourmet Marquee draws over 70 exhibitors from far and wide to showcase their wares. Shopaholics can browse the stalls for the chance to sample and buy foods that range from the traditional to the exotic, alongside beautiful kitchenware.
New for this year, festival goers will also get the chance to share their favourite recipes in the ‘Recipe Exchange’; simply bring along your contribution, pin it to the board and remember to bring a notepad and pen to take down any of the other recipes that catch your eye on the day.
Demonstration Kitchen
This year’s demonstration marquee will host live cookery demonstrations from top Staffordshire chefs; including Simon Smith of Lichfield’s Thrales Restaurant, Paul Gilmore of Restaurant Gilmore near Uttoxeter, Head Chef at the Spot Gate Inn in Hilderstone, Richard Cullen, and Matt Davies who, as Group Executive Chef at The Lewis Partnership, is responsible for kitchens at The Swan, The Moathouse, The Bear Grill and The Dog & Doublet. They will be joined by several Stone-based chefs, local rising stars in the form of the winners and runners up of Taste of Staffordshire’s 2011 Masterchef and Young Chef awards and 13-year-old Jack Taylor, who will be back by popular demand.
Taste of Staffordshire Marquee
As the Stone Food & Drink Festival’s main sponsor, the Taste of Staffordshire marquee celebrates the work of this fantastic organisation; showcasing the very finest producers, retailers, chefs, restaurants and pubs that Staffordshire has to offer.
Staffordshire’s foremost marque of taste and quality, Taste of Staffordshire recognises the best of the county’s food industry though its accreditation scheme, the Good Food Awards and the annual Master Chef and Young Chef of Tomorrow competition.
With some of the county’s finest culinary offerings all under one roof, visitors can browse and sample a host of Staffordshire produce, and local businesses will have the chance to discover the numerous benefits associated with becoming a ‘Taste of Staffordshire’ member and sign up on the day.
Best of Staffordshire Beer Festival
Masterminded by Dave Bott of Titanic Brewery, the goal of this brand new festival event is to gather beers from every brewery in Staffordshire and provide real ale fans with a unique tasting opportunity. With around twenty beers on offer from a host of local brewers, it looks set to attract real ale fans from far afield. More.
Take the weight off your feet
After you've shopped until you've (almost!) dropped, why not leave your bags in the Shopping Creche, take a table in one of our picnic areas and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from a wide choice of caterers and stallholders. The perfect opportunity to meet up with friends or simply soak up the ‘party’ atmosphere while being entertained by live music, this really is the place to see and be seen at the Stone Food & Drink Festival.
Something for the younger visitor
The Stone Food & Drink Festival is a true community event and, as such, offers something for the whole family. Not only do accompanied under-16s get free entry to the Westbridge Park area, but there are rides on offer to help keep the younger kiddies entertained while older children are actively encouraged to feast their senses and try new flavours by friendly exhibitors. This year we're also delighted to join forces with Treasure Trails Staffordshire who will be running a fun - and educational - Treasure Trail to help families make the most of the festival experience while giving them the chance to win a host of great prizes.
Entry
Entry to Westbridge Park is £6 per person, per day over festival weekend (accompanied under-16s free). |
