How the West was Yum

POLITICIANS and food producer gathered together with a herd of pigs yesterday to launch Exeter’s main food festival.

The event, at a pig farm in Clyst St Mary, was to preview the Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink 2006.

The annual event, held in Northerhay Gardens in March, is a chance for people to try and buy locally produced food in specially built pavilions.

Chefs from the South West, including Exeters Michael Caines, and television chef Hhugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will be giving cookery demonstrations.

More than 10,000 visitors came to the 2005 festival and it is hoped 2006 will be the event’s biggest year yet.

Organisers are hoping to attract 40 per cent more stallholders this year.

There will also be a children’s marquee giving healthy eating classes, and a beer festival.

Yesterday Michael Caines, Sir Don Curry, who chairs the Government group responsible for sustainable farming and food strategy, and the food festival’s sponsors, including the Express & Echo, gathered at Kenniford Farm, in Clyst St Mary. Also attending were representatives from the National Farmers’ Union and Taste of the West, which is providing funding.

The owner of Kenniford Farm, Andrew Freemantle, gave a tour of the breeding areas and spoke about his non-intensive farming methods.

Gill Ainge, from Taste of the West, said the aim of the festival was to connect people with where their food came from.

“If people know more about the history of their food they will enjoy it more,” she said.

John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West, said: “We are hoping the experience will benefit tourism, as visitors will come to the area to see the festival.”

Michael Caines, who is head chef at The Royal Clarence Hotel, has been involved in organizing the festival since it began in 2002. He said: “I am involved because chefs have a very important part to play in promoting South West food. There is huge potential.”

The event will be held at the Northernhay Gardens from March 31 to April 12.

Food producers signed up to take part in the festival so far include Complete Meats, from Axminster; the Fishleigh Estate in Hatherleigh; Happy Hogs, of Whiddon Down; Higher Hacknell of Umberleigh; and Quickes Traditional, of Newton St Cyres.

Published: Express & Echo
Publish date: October 12, 2005