Shipston Food Festival proves a success once again

The third annual Shipston Food Festival weekend which took place in September, proved extremely popular with residents and tourists. Despite the growing competition from other local festivals, stall holders and visitors alike turned up in droves, securing another successful event for the town. 

Events kicked-off, literally, with the Beer Festival at the Rugby Club, complete with live showing of the opening game of the Rugby World Cup. Over twenty different beers, ciders and wines were showcased at the event.

Saturday saw entries coming in for the Taste of the Country Junior Bake-Off competition. A tempting display of delicious and imaginative cakes, baked and iced by 11-16 year olds, was put before volunteer judge, Richard Harvey, who spent a serious hour tasting and evaluating the cakes. The winner, Kara Cooke, walked away with a voucher for a half day icing master class with Taste of the Country’s icing experts.

Sunday was Food Festival day in the town centre. Stalls were selling everything from pizza ovens to pulled pork, cured meat to cakes, while visitors enjoyed tasting the many different foods on offer. Cookery demonstrations were given by Francis Green, otherwise known as the Cotswold Traiteur, while Jim Cherry and Mandy Lane from Taste of the Country, gave tips on cheese and wine pairing and quick and easy canapes.

Music was provided by popular local duo, The Peas, while the Cotswold Distillery gave a mixology demonstration, offering plenty of ideas for gin cocktails.

Thanks to support from local businesses, the event was rounded off with a fantastic raffle, proceeds of which will go towards funding next year’s festival. 

Food Festival Chairman and Town Councillor, Dan Scobie, said: “I am thrilled to have seen so many people enjoying another great festival weekend. This is a community event, made possible by the generous contributions of our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and stall holders. Most importantly,  the visitors who come to enjoy the food and support the traders really make this event a success. We’d like to thank everyone for their support - we look forward to seeing you next year.”