Food Festival Boasts Culinary Surrey

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Gillian Beel opened Farnham Food Festival last Saturday, joined by Councillor Robert Knowles, Waverley Borough Council’s portfolio holder for the local economy.

An estimated 1000 people arrived at Central Car Park between 10am – 4pm to sample what Culinary Surrey and the neighbouring counties had to offer. Attendees took full advantage of the assortment of products available from local producers, which included beautifully decorated cakes, hand made chocolates, sweet jams and sauces, smooth goats cheese, Christmas hampers, decadent desserts, rich curry dishes, a medley of meat and much, much more!

 Cllr Beel comments “It was an enormous pleasure to be part of this special event and the many people with whom I spoke were most impressed. I was amazed at the wide variety of foods on offer and certainly enjoyed the many samples offered to me. Councillor Knowles expressed his pleasure at the success of the event and was delighted to be a part of it.”

Local food establishments were also invited by Farnham Town Council to promote their businesses.

Catherine Cooper, Major Projects Co­ordinator said “I am very pleased a few retailers took advantage of this great marketing opportunity. Many companies sold out of their products and one had to go back to the shop and get more supplies! The companies I managed to speak to afterwards said they would definitely come back next year and I do hope more retailers will seize this opportunity. Unexpectedly, an online broadcasting company arrived to film the event and interviewed numerous stallholders, which will hopefully bring great publicity exposure for Farnham and the local producers.”

A large crowd circled the food demonstration tent at midday to see skilled Chef Steve Drake of Michelin Star establishment; Drake’s Restaurant in Ripley provide professional advice on cooking sea bass and venison. This was shortly followed by the Town Mayor presenting the winner of the Feast of Food drawing competition; Ruari McColl aged 5 and a half, with his prizes.

Cllr Beel said “Presenting Ruari with his prize winning plate and winner’s certificate was a highlight for me. Over 150 children entered the competition to draw their favourite place to picnic in Farnham. Ruari drew a beautiful picture of Farnham Park, which he then painted on to a 13” charger plate at The Ceramics Café in Farnham. “

Magical face painting kept Ruari’s sister amused amongst other little ones and popular jazz band; Grandpa Spells played out the festival with feet tapping tunes.

6 lucky people won fantastic prizes in the draw run by Eagle Radio’s Love Crew Madge and Sky. Vouchers to top local restaurants and a Magimix food processor, courtesy of BBS Ltd is on its way to local residents.

Cllr Beel said “ This event was capably organised by Catherine Cooper; Major Projects Co-ordinator for Farnham Town Council who spent most of Saturday in Central car park, assisted by colleague Ginny Gordon and volunteer Grant Turness.”

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Lucinda Fleming added “Everybody commented what a good day it was, and Farnham Town Council hope to make this an annual event.”