Large crowds of people flocked to Burnham-On-Sea’s first Food and Drink Festival on Saturday (September 29th) – making it such a success that it will return again next year.
Over 40 stalls and 14 festival events were held in the town’s Baptist Hall and Princess Theatre plus shops across the town, attracting big crowds.
Organisers Bev and Sarah Milner Simonds told Burnham-On-Sea.com they were delighted with how it had gone. Bev said: “We are really pleased with the positive feedback from suppliers and the warm, supportive comments from the thousands of people who backed this home-grown effort – thank you, Burnham! The event will return again next year.”
During the day, young Lottie Nicholson, right, won the family entry in the ‘Great Burnham Bake Off’ cake-making contest, which also saw Hester Stanwood winning the individual award and Hannah Bird receiving a merit.
The competition judges – who included Victoria Knowles-Lacks from The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club, Alex Turco of Burnham’s Positive Wealth Creation and BBC Somerset’s Emma Britton – praised the quality of the 49 entries.
Emma told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was very hard to choose the winner – the quality was so good. We were judging each cake on their creativity, taste and appearance.”
A number of food demonstrations were held, including sugarcraft skills, chelsea bun making, vegetable growing and making fresh pasta from scratch. There were also displays and demonstrations by Burnham’s traders, restaurants and shops.
MP Tessa Munt spent several hours at the event and said she’d had a great time. “It was a fantastic day, showcasing the best food and drink that our region has to offer. The crowds have been really large and it’s great to see so many in Burnham.”
Great Burnham Bake-off judges Victoria Knowles-Lacks from The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club, Alex Turco of Positive Wealth Creation and BBC Somerset’s Emma Britton with MP Tessa Munt and Bev Milner Simonds
West country cider mugs were among the items on sale at the festival
Real teas were served from an old-fashioned van outside the hall
Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton and his wife Jo with the Princess Theatre’s Andy Pulleyn at Saturday’s Food Festival
Wines and non-alcoholic drinks were served at KDS Interiors at the festival
Locally brewed cider and locally packaged coffee was available
MP Tessa Munt used her pedal power to make a blended drink! Right, she is with one of the Burnham-themed cake competition entries
Stream Farm were one of the exhibitors at the town’s Princess Theatre
