Eighth Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink a royal success

Eighth Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink a royal success

This year's Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink welcomed thousands of visitors, with record attendance on Friday 29^th April as crowds celebrated the Royal Wedding.  Across the weekend, a host of celebrity chefs, more than 100 producers and foodie workshops drew in the crowds.   

The Royal Wedding celebrations took the festival by storm on the Friday with thousands watching the event on a giant screen and exhibitors selling far more than they'd planned for.  Pebblebed Vineyards, from Topsham who produce sparkling wines, had almost sold out of the bubbly it had brought for the entire weekend as Friday drew to a close.  Geoff Bowen at Pebblebed said: "The atmosphere was electric.  People were naturally in a very celebratory mood and our sales went through the roof.  We were obviously delighted that people were celebrating with a local Devon sparkling wine but it did mean a last minute dash out of the festival to replenish stocks!"

This year's festival had a fantastic atmosphere with three live music stages across the site showcasing talented local musicians throughout the three days as well as during the After Dark events on Friday and Saturday nights.

Michael Caines, Festival Co-Founder said: "We had a super festival this year with a fantastic atmosphere. It is interesting to see the announcement that Jamie Oliver's ‘The Big Feastival' is looking to  combine food and live music in the way that we already have, it's definitely the way to go and we wish him all the very best with his event"

Across the weekend, thousands continued to flock to the festival to watch celebrity chef demonstrations, take part in activities for families and to stock up on local produce.  Exhibitors reported excellent sales at the festival with many having to bring in additional stock to meet demand.  Celebrity appearances from Masterchef stars and Apprentice star Kate Walsh as well as sets from top local musicians entertained the crowds at the Festival After Dark events.

Derek Phillips, Festival Chairman said: "This year's festival was undeniably an extra special one.  When we first heard the Royal Wedding coincided with the festival we were unsure of how it may affect visitor numbers with people going away for the weekend or staying at home to watch the wedding.  We were therefore over the moon with the record attendance on the Friday which goes to show that there are few better ways to celebrate than with delicious local food and drink!  Overall the attendance across the weekend was in line with last year and we were on budget so we're delighted."          

This year the festival offered more family activities than ever before including taster dance and drama sessions from Exeter Phoenix, ‘grow your own' features from Fermoys Garden Centre and a host of children's activities from the Darts Farm team including pizza making and cupcake decorating.    

The festival was supported by Exeter City Council.

 

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