Farnham’s Castle Street will become a centre of gastronomic delight as this year’s Food Festival takes place on Saturday 24 September from 10am to 4pm. Last year’s festival attracted an estimated 14,000 people; this year’s is expected to be just as popular.
There will be around 100 stalls offering an array of food and drink plus demonstrations by local chefs. The event is organised by Farnham Town Council and is free to attend.
The Food Festival is part of Farnham’s Feast of Food which is supported by principal sponsor Shield Security Services Limited as well as The Wheatsheaf and Lavastar.
Councillor Jill Hargreaves, Farnham Town Council’s Lead Member for Tourism and Events says: “The Food Festival is a key part of our Feast of Food celebration and an established part of the Farnham calendar. Not only is it very popular among local residents but tourists and visitors come from far and wide too.
“There will be many types of food and drink stalls including cakes and baked treats, cocktails, wines and beers, cheeses, olives, curries, artisan chocolates and sweets, posh hot dogs, paella, teas, fresh meat, salamis and biltong – to give just a very brief selection! Really, whatever your tastes, I have no doubt that there will be plenty to excite you at the festival. We even have live music and face painting so it’s a great family day out too.”
Food lovers, amateur chefs and home cooks should head to the top of Castle Street to the cookery demonstration theatre for culinary tips, the opportunity to learn about international cuisine and to find out more about local produce.
The demonstrations begin with expert pastry tips from Cherie Denham, a former teacher at the renowned Leith’s Cookery School. Among the other demonstrations, head chef at the Duke of Cambridge, Jay Williams will create delicious dishes from late summer produce, and Thai Lotusland will show how to cook healthy Thai food. There is also plenty for bakers and lovers of Italian food. In a tasting session, the Hogs Back Brewery will share their secrets of growing hops for their delicious beers and ales.
Castle Street will be closed for the duration of the festival on 24 September from the junction with The Borough up to the junction with Park Row. Traffic diversions will be in place and all town centre car parks will be open. Residents with a Zone A parking permit are requested to park overnight in Upper Hart car park as Castle Street will become a ‘tow away’ zone from 4am Saturday morning.
Feast of Food officially closes with the Farmers’ Market on Sunday 25 September. As ever it takes place in Farnham’s Central car park from 10am to1.30pm. High quality, organic produce such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and dairy products as well as ready-made cakes, pies and ice creams will be available. This month’s charity tea tent will be run by Frensham Guides.
More information about this year’s festival, including the programme of demonstrations and a full list of stallholders is available on the Feast of Food pages.
