Aiden Byrne starring at Wirral Food and Drink Festival on August 30 and 31

Aug 5 2009 Birkenhead News

Like the popular Wirral Food and Drink Festival where the theme is ‘Food Matters!’

The festival returns again on the August Bank Holiday on Sunday, August 30, from 10am to 5pm, and Monday, August 31, from 10am to 4pm.

There will be producers giving you the chance to shop ‘till you drop on the best of the region’s food.

The chefs’ demonstration stage returns with Aiden and hosted by the inimitable Brian Mellor, as well as the Dig a Little Deeper stage – where producers will give you the chance to find out the story behind the food.

The theme this year of ‘Food Matters! is aimed at showing that, whether it is for the benefit of the farmer, the producer or the consumer, food does matter and it is time to support regional food and tantalise your tastebuds.

The volunteer team behind the Wirral Food and Drink festival is working hard to ensure it is one of the best two-day events in the region.

There will be Artisan and craft beers in the special Papakata tepee; Chef’s demonstrations; a children’s area offering activities for all ages from circus skills to pottery making and food workshops; musical entertainment and the Dig a Little Deeper stage showcasing small producers.

This year at the festival there will be around 100 stalls, producers and restaurants bringing their top quality produce at the festival.

Last year around 26,000 visitors enjoyed two days of sunshine shopping from more than 100 stalls, sampling restaurant food, regional beers and enjoying the chef, producer demonstrations and the wide variety of entertainment.

Restaurants, cafes and bars across the peninsula will also be holding special events in the run-up to the festival.

The festival is supported by Wirral Council, Wirral Farmers’ Market, Gusto Restaurants, Livesmart, Merseyrail, Betwixt Brewery, Wirral Lions and Heart Radio.

The Festival is run by volunteers for the benefit of the community. However, in order to make the festival sustainable and ensure it continues to run, it is introducing a charge of £1 entry this year. Children under five will get in free and there will be no car parking charge.

Claremont Farm is on Old Clatterbridge Road, and is near Spital station and buses run outside the farm on a regular basis.

For more information about showing at the festival or helping out, call Helen Orton on 07877 921 276. To find out more log onto www.wirralfoodfestival.co.uk