Tasty Treats Tempt Visitors To Fair
More than 11,000 people visited Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at the weekend. The event - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary - was held in the picturesque grounds of Hardwick Hall in the north of the county.
The event - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary - was held in the picturesque grounds of Hardwick Hall in the north of the county.
Derbyshire County Council launched the event ten years ago to help local traders and producers promote their goods and boost the county's economy.
The event boasted more than 100 food and drink stalls selling everything from cheese, wine and beer to pickles, cakes and biscuits.
Other attractions included cookery demonstrations, art and craft displays, live music, street theatre and children's entertainment.
On Saturday 21 May, visitors enjoyed cookery demonstrations by Simon Rimmer, the resident chef on BBC2's Something for the Weekend, and learnt how to cook in the great outdoors with Martin Dorey from the BBC2 series One Man and his Campervan.
On Sunday 22 May Dean Edwards from ITV's Daybreak showed off his culinary skills to visitors.
Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Kevin Parkinson, said: “It was great to see so many people enjoying the culinary delights that the county has to offer.
“The fair is the perfect day out for food lovers. It's a great showcase for local producers and gives customers a chance to try before they buy.”
Wendy Staples, who runs Quirky Cookies and Cakes from her home in Duffield, was at the fair for the second year. She had created a special Hardwick Hall shaped cookie for the occasion. Wendy said: “It is fantastic and really well organised. It is great to meet my customers face-to-face and get their reactions.”
Teresa Lambarellis from Chesterfield makes fresh pasta sauce and this was her fourth year at the fair. “It is very busy and it is a great way to raise our profile,” she said.
It was the first time at the fair for brothers Vic and Sev Risorto who run the Calabria restaurant in Chesterfield. They were creating made-to-order Italian-style lunches for fairgoers and were doing a roaring trade.
Vic said: “I'm amazed by how many people are here. It is organised really well and is a good way to raise our profile.”
Visitor Julie Jones, 48, from Grassmoor, said:” It is the first time I've visited the fair and it is marvellous.”
Molly and Terry Smith travelled from Swadlincote to go to the fair. “It is absolutely brilliant. It is great to meet the producers. It also gives you a chance to go around, sample all the produce and then go back to buy,” said Molly.
24/05/2011
