Wirral Food and Drink Festival cooks up a storm at Claremont Farm

1st September 2009

Wirral Food and Drink Festival cooks up a storm at Claremont Farm

Aug 31 2009 by Kathryn Carr, Liverpool Daily Post

FOOD connoisseurs from all over the North West paid a visit to the Wirral Food and Drink Festival.

Around 15,000 hungry visitors flocked to Claremont Farm in Bebington for the first day of the gourmet extravaganza, which was filled with international food stalls, trade stands and live chef’s demonstrations.

The festival, now in its fourth year, unveiled some surprises for 2009, including a new patron, renowned botanist David Bellamy, and a “Food and Farming” marquee, where visitors could get up close to an assortment of farm animals.

Organiser Andrew Pimbley said: “We’ve teamed up with the National Farmers’ Union to bring along their Food and Farming Marquee. It’s to get kids and adults aware that food does come from animals, we are trying to show that link.”

Helen Arthan, who runs Chorlton Lane Farm, brought along some Hebridean sheep and Red Poll cows.

She said: “It’s a nice opportunity for people to come into contact with animals, which I think is important. The children just love them!”

The two-day event, which celebrates home-grown produce, has attracted famous foodies, from the Great British Menu’s Aiden Byrne to Coronation Street’s Sean Wilson (Martin Platt) who is expected to showcase his award-winning cheeses today.

Georgina Lamb, of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution – one of the charities supported by the festival – said: “We support farming families who have fallen on hard times.

“We spend around £2m a year supporting farming families throughout England and Wales. With the credit crunch, fundraising has been difficult, so the support from the festival is very much appreciated.”