Pitches go quickly for Leamington Food Festival

Within just a month of going on general release, all 50 pitches for the two-day event showcasing the best in local and regional food and drink were taken.

BID Leamington, which organises the festival with the support of local businesses, believes last year’s record attendance may have prompted this year’s record sell-out of the larger exhibitor spaces.

Alison Shaw, of BID Leamington, said: “Last year’s Leamington Food and Drink Festival was the best, with the biggest attendance yet of over 25,000 foodies and within a few weeks, around a quarter of exhibitors had already booked to return this year.

“We had some tremendous feedback with traders saying they were blown away by the great crowds and atmosphere, with many either selling out or having to bring in extra stock to cater for the huge demand.

“We offer businesses in Leamington town centre first pick of the exhibitor space up until the end of February before then opening it up to everyone.

“Within a month, all 50 exhibitor pitches had been booked and there are only a handful of the smaller 95 stalls still available.”

The event, which is regarded as one of the best autumn food festivals in the UK, will return to the Pump Room Gardens on Saturday September 5 and Sunday September 6.

Now in its eighth year, it is the biggest event in the town’s calendar and is one of the few food festivals of its size to be free for the public to attend.

Alison said: “The majority of the exhibitors are food and drink producers and retailers from Warwickshire.

“People travel from far and wide to the festival and its reputation grows every year.

“The diverse range of local food and drink is a big attraction, along with the packed programme of cooking demonstrations, tastings and live entertainment.

“Plus it’s totally free to attend.”

This year’s line-up is being finalised and will be announced in the coming months.

For more information visit www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk