Festival of the Year returns to Shrewsbury

The award-winning Shrewsbury Food Festival is returning to Shrewsbury Quarry on June 27 and 28 with a line-up of foodie family fun.

The event will host top chefs leading demonstrations, over 180 food, drink and home stalls, bars run by local drink producers, and street food with world cuisine, and has been crowned ‘Festival of the Year’ at the West Midlands Tourism Awards for three consecutive years.

Organisers Shropshire Festivals pride themselves on offering great value for money with lots of free entertainment. Bands from all over the Midlands will play on the live music stage, and there will be musical performances on the bandstand all weekend.

There is an educational Field to Fork area and a family entertainment area that will keep children busy with free activities, circus skills and rides. New this year will be a sports area where you can try out different activities to discover a new hobby.

This year’s chef lineup includes: Nick Bennett from Old Downton Lodge; Stuart Collins from Docket Restaurant; Adam Purnell – The Shropshire Lad from Embers Café; Tat Effby – The Caketoonist, who has just released a new book: ‘Bake Your Sweet Time’; and James Sherwin from Wild Shropshire, who recently appeared on the Great British Menu.

At the Teach and Taste Stage, you can sample food, as well as get hands-on experience preparing dishes. Shrewsbury Food Hub will be running this area to raise awareness of reducing food waste.

Shropshire Rural Support has been announced as this year’s festival charity. The charity will be raising awareness and funds in the Field to Fork Area, where the food and agriculture sectors are celebrated with engaging, hands-on activities in partnership with Harper Adams University.

The charity helps farming and rural communities by providing confidential listening, practical guidance, and help with personal or business challenges, ensuring farmers and rural families facing stress, isolation, or uncertainty always have somewhere to turn. They will be showcasing farming life at the festival with farm animals, machinery from Home Farm, and exhibits on farming through the ages, as well as revealing some of the Quarry’s historic farming stories.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be part of Shrewsbury Food Festival this year,” said Kate Jones from Shropshire Rural Support. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, raise awareness of the work we do, and have a bit of fun along the way. We're really looking forward to a brilliant weekend, especially seeing visitors participate in the Home Farm Attingham milking competition.”

After the success of last year’s evening concert, the Saturday of the festival will be opening late again, until 8.30pm, with cheaper evening-only tickets available.

Beth Heath, of Shropshire Festivals, said, “We’ll be showcasing the best producers in the region. You’ll uncover some wonderful products, drinks, and food to try, so come hungry.

“There’s something for everyone at Shrewsbury Food Festival, and there’s a reason why this event has been named ‘Festival of the Year’ in the West Midlands for the last three years running. We hope you’ll come and see it for yourself."

Pictured: Ben Dixon from Home Farm Attingham and Kate Jones of Shropshire Rural Support