Taste the Seasons

A record number of visitors packed the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair at the weekend. The county council staged its 11th annual event in the grounds of Hardwick Hall.

And 13,500 visitors enjoyed an action-packed programme of entertainment on Saturday and Sunday.

Councillor Kevin Parkinson said: “It was great to meet so many people enjoying a fabulous weekend at our food and drink fair. Not only were there a record number of visitors, we also had more exhibitors than ever before with over 150 stalls selling produce from Derbyshire and further afield.

“As always it was a great value-for-money family event which provides a real boost for the Derbyshire economy. There are few other events in this region where over 150 exhibitors would have the opportunity to sell their produce to 13,500 visitors over two days.

“A lot of planning and hard work from our staff goes into ensuring the fair continues to grow and has developed a national reputation for excellence.”

Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, host of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, shared his culinary skills in a cookery theatre during Saturday’s entertainment.

And Dean Edwards, who is resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine breakfast show, showcased his talents on the Sunday. Taste the Seasons editor Andy Darlington interviewed them both. Look for the features in forthcoming issues of the magazine.

They were joined by a host of local chefs who cooked up a feast of Derbyshire treats. There was also an arts and crafts section with around 50 local artists displaying their wares which ranged from contemporary art to traditional craftworks. Family entertainment included live music, competitions and face painting.

Pete Straw, owner of Somercotes-based Real Honey Apiaries, said: “This is the sixth year we have been to the Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair. It is brilliant and is developing into one of the best fairs in the country.”

Scroll down for photographs, courtesy of Maria Marshall.

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