Wirral Food and Drink Festival at Claremont Farm

Sep 2 2009 by Laura Sharpe, Birkenhead News

Wirral Food and Drink Festival cooks up a storm at Claremont Farm

RECORD numbers of visitors flocked to the Wirral Food and Drink Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Thousands of people poured into the festival and enjoyed some of the best produce available from across the North West.

The two-day event at Claremont Farm, in Bebington, attracted more than 100 producers and stalls offering goods including chocolates, beers, vegetables and free-range meat.

Now in its fourth year, the event also attracted famous foodies, from the Great British Menu’s Aiden Byrne to Coronation Street’s Sean Wilson, who showcased four of his award-winning cheeses.

Sat behind a poster saying “You wouldn’t think I’d make cheese”, the television star posed for photographs with cheese and soap fans alike.

Paul Askew, of The London Carriage Works, who was demonstrating at the festival, said: “It has a real atmosphere. It is a proper festival and a proper celebration of all things food.”

The children’s area offered the chance for youngsters to challenge their tastebuds at the Chefs Adopt A School stand, as well as face painting and Punch and Judy shows.

One of the festival’s surprises was an NFU Food and Farming roadshow, which showed the connection between food and farming.

Livestock on show included ducklings, cows and sheep, such as some Hebridean sheep from Chorlton Lance Farm.