Thousands of foodies brave muddy conditions to attend seventh Wirral Food and Drink Festival

Aug 29 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Thousands of foodies brave muddy conditions to attend seventh Wirral Food and Drink Festival

THOUSANDS of foodies attended Wirral Food and Drink Festival despite bad weather leaving the site muddy under foot.

Despite looming clouds and spots of rain which turned much of Claremont Farm, near Bebington, into swampy puddles, around 20,000 people went through the gates during the two-day event.

Festival organiser Andrew Pimbley said: “It was quiet to start off with when we got that rain but then it stopped and everyone came out.

“We were so chuffed to see people supporting us despite the weather.

“Adversity just brings people together and everyone got their wellies on and got into the spirit of things.”

The festival, now in its seventh year, also featured circus entertainment for youngsters, music, morris dancers and demonstrations by leading chefs such as Dave Gilmore.

It also hosted more than 100 stalls featuring the best of local produce.

Robert Didier, of baker Orchard Pigs from North Wales, said it was one of his busiest first days at the festival.

He said: “I have been so busy I had to phone my wife and ask her to bring more stock.

“What I thought I would need for the day was gone before 3pm.”

Anne Benson, chairman of Wirral Farmers Market, which supports the festival, added: “It has been wonderful for our producers who have all been incredibly busy.”