Archived Festival News

Issue date: 17 September 2008

MORE TO NANTWICH FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL THAN MEETS THE EYE

Visitors to the Nantwich Food & Drink Festival (Friday 26 September to Sunday 28 September 2008) could be forgiven if they thought they were simply being introduced to over 100 producers of speciality food and drink, and taking part in tutored tastings, but to overlook all of the festival’s fringe events and the great demonstrations during the festival from celebrity chefs like Gino D’Acampo would surely be a sin.

A host of food and drink events have been organised to coincide with the festival and enhance the whole experience for all passionate foodies.

The first festival fringe event kicks off at Residence restaurant in Nantwich, which is holding a Champagne & Wine Gourmet Dinner focussing on local produce on Tuesday 23 September.

A Paranormal Pub Tour on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September at 5.30pm and 7.15pm; and Sunday 28 September at 3.45pm, 5.30pm and 7.15pm will offer a tour of the ‘Weird Side’ of Nantwich with a focus on Haunted Hostelries and finishing with pub grub in the function room of Ye Olde Vaults on the High Street.

For a calmer experience an Italian Gourmet Dinner can be savoured at Crewe Hall on Friday 26 September in conjunction with Edencroft Fine Wines.

Tudor Tastes, also on Friday 26 September from 10.30am until 3pm, is a drop-in free event at Nantwich Library which doesn’t require a ticket – only for visitors to turn up. This event will include an interesting talk, as well as a tasting of Tudor food and music throughout the ages, presented by folk in period costume.

Finally, an evening with whisky connoisseur Jim Murray at Crewe Hall on Friday 10 October will help whisky lovers discover or re-acquaint themselves with the delights of whisky for an interesting and entertaining evening of tutored tastings.

Cllr Weatherill from the Nantwich Food & Drink Festival said: “Of course, the main thrust of the festival will be held in Nantwich over the weekend of 26 to 28 September but we have organised many great events to coincide with the festival that shouldn’t be overlooked because at the same time they will be fun, entertaining and educational. We’d like as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the festival’s exciting fringe events.”

In addition to the festival’s fringe events, food and drink lovers are going to be spoilt for choice when deciding which chef demonstrations to take time out for. Celebrity TV chef, Gino D’Acampo will take to the stage in the Demonstration Theatre at 12pm and 3pm on Saturday 27 September while the highly knowledgeable Le Chocolatier, Michael Levy will fill the 1pm slot.

Andrew Hollinshead from Crewe Hall will show off his exquisite culinary skills on both Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September, while Mr Ali from Bengal Dynasty will give a local take on Indian curry on both Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September – and there’s a whole lot more going on besides.

The Nantwich Food and Drink Festival runs from Friday 26 September - Sunday 28 September 2008. There is an entrance fee to the Festival Island (£4 Friday and £5 Saturday and Sunday). This includes entry to all attractions in this section.

Featuring over 100 speciality producers, the festival will give foodies a real opportunity to celebrate rural food excellence with a mouth-watering range of food and drink.

Advance Festival tickets can be purchased from the website or by calling the Festival Ticket Hotline on 01270 537359. For further information, visit www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk.

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For more media information, or images, please contact Alejandra Solis /Sandra McDowell on 0161 817 4200 or email alejandra.solis@connectpoint.co.uk