Thousands attend food festival and snap up goodies on offer

The East Midlands Food & Drink Festival took place in Melton over the weekend with thousands coming to visit and buy from independent producers.

The event, which is organised by Melton Mowbray Food Partnership, saw over 100 producers gather at Melton's Stockyard to sell their produce with many reporting record sales.

Demonstrations also took place in the food theatre with celebrity chef Rachel Green and local pork pie stalwart Stephen Hallam MBE who gave talks on how to produce the Melton Mowbray favourite.

The event brought many people in from outside the local area including some coach tours adding a much needed boost to traders.

Thousands came to Melton over the weekend for the annual Food Festival. Photo: NEMM

Organiser of the Festival, Matthew O’Callaghan of the Melton Mowbray Food Partnership said; “This was one of our best festivals. We were so lucky to have dry weather for the weekend.  Traders said they good sales which was a relief after a particularly wet and unprofitable Summer. 

The festival was very popular across both days. Photo: NEMM

Visitors came from across the East Midlands and beyond with many praising the variety of goods on offer and their quality. We’re so looking forward to ChocFest on the 16/17th November.”

Rachel Green gave talks in the cookery theatre as well as Stephen Hallam (below). Photos: NEMM

Local favourite El-Eaga Gospel Choir who appeared on Britain's Got Talent also performed for the crowds which added to the excellent atmosphere.

For a full list of the festivals throughout the year visit Melton Festivals – Food Festivals in Melton Mowbray