Food & Drink Festival begins in York (From York Press)
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Food & Drink Festival begins in York
9:11am Saturday 22nd September 2012 in News
By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk
Vicky Pendry of City of York Council dressed as a chili gets attacked with runner beans by Fishergate pupils Sydney, Sam, Eden and Harry
THOUSANDS of people are expected to experience this year’s York Food & Drink Festival which started yesterday.
The festival, which is now in its 16th year, will feature scores of events with celebrities and Michelin star-winning chefs cooking with local produce at venues.
This year’s theme for the festival is Feeding The City – in the past, present and future – and events include a tour around the Mansion House’s Georgian kitchen, and looking back at how chocolate made its way to York.
One company looking to inject some sparkle into proceedings is The Champagne Warehouse, which is running a Fizz and Canape evening at Guildhall on Monday, as well as a daily bar in Parliament Street.
Helen Hall, who runs the company with fiancé and owner Tony Stones, said: “It’s really busy already, we’re surprised. It’s going really well, better than expected.
“We’ve still got tickets available for Monday though, where we’ll have tastings of four Champagnes, a Prosecco, an Italian pink sparkling, and two Cavas, to match canapes with the drinks. It’s educational as well as fun.”
Scores of children from 13 schools around York were also at the festival yesterday, as part of York Edible Schools, which encouraged them to grow their own vegetables, and learn more about sustainable food.
Vikki Pendry, of City of York Council , said the children had taken pride in creating and displaying their produce. “They are absolutely loving it,” she said. “They are really busy, and loving talking to the public about what they’ve grown. It’s been really nice.”
The Fountain Marquee in Parliament Street, sponsored by The Press, will come alive with live music after 5pm, including Oxjam – the charity music event which will take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with a host of bands playing live music to raise money for Oxfam.
Full details about the festival and tickets are available at yorkfoodfestival.com or by phoning 01904 466687.
