Burnham-On-Sea Food & Drink Festival is set to make a welcome return to the town centre this Saturday (May 27th) with more than 130 stalls and scores of free displays and attractions on offer.
The tenth festival opens at 9am and will run through the day until 4pm, providing a day of entertainment with tractors, livestock, buskers, demos, workshops and scores of food stalls to explore in five indoor venues and a large outdoor market.
At the Fresh Ideas Demo Stage, sponsored by Burnham’s KDS Interiors, six popular cooking talents will each bring something they know that audiences will enjoy.
“We have children’s cookery authors Kate Morris and Sally Brown cooking up flavours from around the world – which led to them to develop the CBeebies show “I Can Cook”.”
James Simpson of Somerset Charcuterie will give a taster of his Charcuterie Course; while others include Matt Brooks, head chef at The Railway Inn of Sandford; Steve Fowell, SW regional winner of School Chef of the Year 2017, pictured right, of Mendip Green First School, sharing his ability to create inspiring food for just over £1 a portion. It will all be hosted by BBC Somerset’s Claire Carter from 11am.
Hawksmoor Cookery School, above, will provide a hands-on workshop all day starting at 11am and then 12.30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm at Somerset Skills and Learning Centre in Princess Street for visitors to experiment with some exciting, punchy flavours and bring out the best in early summer vegetables.
“As a group, you will create a zingy peanut, lime and ginger dressing for a rice and carrot noodle salad; a Japanese influenced dressing for spiralised courgettes; and a creamy vegan chocolate mousse,” said a spokesewoman. “You will then make your very own version of the nation’s favourite dip, hummus.”
“There will be lots of opportunity to taste, adjust, share and discuss – and all the recipes are available to take home afterwards.” Suitable for adults and families with children aged 7+.
There will be plenty of entertainment at the festival too. The Ritz Social Club are hosting an Acoustic Stage in Victoria Street for the first time. Some of the regular performers from the club are stepping outside and providing some laid-back tunes for the afternoon.
Starting off at around 12 there will also be a performance by ‘We Three’ who are a fantastic local country trio, then for a taste of something different the ‘Ritzy Glitzy Line Dancers’ will perform, followed by ‘Reg & Dave’ with a mixture of Blues Americano.
There will be lots of seating around the festival, buskers, tractors from Smart Agri children’s rides, a traditional Punch & Judy show, pictured below, (featuring Mike’s Pork sausages!), a face painter, entertainers and children’s play area co-ordinated by St Andrews Church. There are also giant tractors, lambs from Levels Lamb, ducks and chickens.
Celebrating and encouraging new traders is really important to the festival and this May the tea have picked two bursary winners. Homemade by Queenie & Clan are a new preserves company based in Cheddar and will be on the High Street. Harriet’s Kitchen is by far the team’s youngest trader to date; Harriet is aged just 7 and will be making smoothies to order in the Methodist Church.
Festival co-organiser Sarah Milner Simonds said: “It makes us insanely proud to know that so many of you have a taste for the brilliant food & drink made and grown around our lovely town and a healthy appetite for more. We hear often from stall-holders how much they enjoy the vibe here – interested shoppers, hungry punters, a great social and very supportive group of traders.”
Co-organiser Bev Milner Simonds continued: “What’s new this time is our Hawksmoor Cookery School, where Chrissie Godfrey will guide adults and youngers through creating some amazing fresh flavours. On the KDS Fresh Ideas stage you can learn about charcuterie, cooking with kids [whole, not sliced or crushed] and techniques from some award-winning chefs from our area. Stunning debuts from our Bursary winners are really worth seeking out; Queenie and Clan in the high street and Harriet’s Kitchen in the Methodist market.”
“There may be changes ahead. And with your help we’ll keep local food, drink and fun at the centre of the festival. Twice a year. Always free. It is your requests and wish lists that shape the festival – tell us what you’d like to happen in the future. Power to the people!”
The organisers are asking visitors to check the list on trusselltrust.org and bring donations to The Methodist Church on the day to donate to the local Foodbank.
