Thousands of people filled the streets of Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday for the town’s popular Food & Drink Festival which was hailed a big success by traders and organisers.
Over 100 traders showcased the best of Somerset food and drink at the eighth festival alongside displays that included cookery demonstrations, tractors and lambs.
Co-organiser Bev Milner Simonds told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s great to have seen the town centre so full of happy, smiling faces – all clearly having a super day out. We had visitors from as far afield as Bath, Cornwall and Exeter in town to enjoy a fantastic day out.”
Sedgemoor District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Ian Dyer, added: “It was another superb event – the quality of the stalls was exceptional. It was so good to see such a wide range of different food sellers as well – the goat curry and Spanish food were among the eye catchers for me!”
Among the traders experiencing a great day was Rachael Jarrett of Herby4, selling juices and herbs, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s always a great day here in Burnham – with lots of interest and sales. This festival is now such an established event in Somerset’s food and drink calendar.”
And Nick Lee of trader The Chillees added: “It was a great day – slightly quieter in terms of crowds than we’ve previously seen – but just as busy in terms of sales. We would never miss it, this festival is really important for us.”
Mandy Evans of Gluten Free Gourmet won the award for the best trader at the show and said: “I was shocked to have won! I really didn’t know whether people would be interested in us to be honest, so it’s great to have the recognition!”
She received her prize from Charlotte Skidmore, Editor of Somerset Life magazine, with Cllr Dyer and festival co-organisers Bev and Sarah Milner Simonds.
Mandy Gair of XocolaT won the People’s Choice award for best trader at the show. “As a previous bursary winner at the festival we are delighted to have won this year – it’s such a superb event for local food producers,” she told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
All those who voted were entered into a prize draw for a year’s subscription to Somerset Life magazine, and Felicity Nicholson was named the overall winner.
Other traders who had a busy day of trade included James Odgers from Stream Farm, who said: “It’s been a really busy day with lots of positive interest. We also had lots of support for our ‘vote leave EU’ campaign to protect local farmers.”
And Holly Stamp of Beech Ridge Farm added: “It’s been our best event yet at the festivals. We’re already looking forward to the next one in October!”
