Welcome from Michael Caines MBE

FROM its humble beginnings, with acclaimed chef Michael Caines always at its helm, the Festival has grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. Who better, therefore, to introduce this year's Festival than the multi Michelin-Starred chef himself...

We're delighted once more to welcome you to the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, now in its 7th year. In this current economic climate, we all appreciate your support and continued interest in what we do. This is a good time to take stock, look around, and appreciate what is literally on our own doorstep. The Festival Food Pavilions are a truly brilliant demonstration of the richness, the power and the importance of the ‘local'. We live in a region of abundance, where land and sea yield a true bounty of glorious produce and food and drink products.

We aim to encourage producers to work in sustainable ways that don't harm our land. Devon County Council, one of the main supporters of this Festival, seeks further to encourage responsible consumption through its "Love Food, Hate Waste" campaign. This year's Festival sees an expanded Cookery Theatre where you can watch many of our region's best known, high profile chefs in action, as well as some young and rising stars.

There will be an element of competition in the proceedings some exciting head-to-head cook-offs, so come and enjoy the action. You know what they say: if you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen! Following the launch of an important initiative to twin our region with Tuscany, we're delighted that once again the Festival board will be working with Tuscan producers from Valdera, near Pisa, to bring our two regions closer together.

Each year, learning is one of the most important themes for families and visitors alike. The Food is Fun Educational Taste Workshops will give the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of local produce and products - and remember that food is fun, whatever our ages.

Following its great success our Festival will once again carry on into the night, with our After Dark festivities taking place on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Come along and join in the fun. I look forward to seeing you!

Michael Caines MBE www.michaelcaines.com