Now in its third year, the Broadstairs Food Festival is growing like topsy and this year promises to be bigger and better.
There's a cracking start to the festival on Saturday 23rd September with Bubble and Squeak - a great night of variety acts, at Margate's Theatre Royal.
The now-celebrated gourmet Gala Dinner, September 27th, sponsored by Thanet College where the students – some of whom have only just started their three year course - get a chance to show off their hospitality and culinary skills, earning them a much-deserved standing ovation. Tickets £30. See website for details or email info@broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk to reserve your place.
At the weekend, over 100 stalls will be on Victoria Gardens, celebrating the quality and diversity of Kentish produce – this is locally grown, locally produced food and drink. The festival is all about freshness and sustainability – no globalised, industrialised food here. Look for real ale, artisan breads, luscious homemade cakes, rare breed meats, organically farmed fruit and juices – all lovingly produced by people who care about good food. There's a brilliant atmosphere throughout the weekend that you won't forget.
The Kitchen Theatre is always great fun with local chefs – and Thanet College students – showcasing their skills. Previous years have included salt-encrusted cod, medieval stews, fish filleting, delicate dishes from the Punjab and sticky, drippy apricot tarte tartin. Yum!
This year sees the launch of the Restaurant Trail – encouraging people to wander throughout the town, savouring food from around the world. You might have to power walk to avoid gaining a kilo or two! The trail has been pulled together by a team of Festival Volunteers – so a big thank you to them.
Fund-raising for the festival takes place all year round – with some for 2011 still to be announced - so check out the website for the latest events and activities. Better still, sign up to the Festival Facebook page to be kept in the loop.
Finally, it is worth noting that the Festival is managed by a small, but dedicated band of volunteers who are passionate about Broadstairs and good food. So why not support the event by becoming a Friend of the Festival or offer some support by becoming a Festival Volunteer? Just a few hours can make such a difference. Full details can be found on our Volunteers page.
