Food fair to crowd’s taste

May 7 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

VILLAGERS are set to make a bank holiday community day into an annual venture after the inaugural event proved a success.

And organisers of the Rothbury Food and Craft Festival, who have backed The Journal Taste North East England Campaign for encouraging local people to use local produce, are hoping more visitors will flock there in the future.

Crowds travelled to the Northumberland village on Monday to sample homemade cakes and preserves as well as arts and crafts.

The festival, which was made even more popular by the sunshine, attracted tourists from across the North to sample their traditional offerings.

Co-organiser Sandy Higson said that from next year, money raised will be given to local good causes, adding: “It was a real success and was a lovely day. People couldn’t get parked because it was so busy and the crowds were just pouring through.

“We also received a lot of positive feedback from visitors who said they would be coming back again.”

People who travelled to the Rothbury Food and Craft Festival were treated to homemade cakes, jams and preserves, as well as local whiskies and wines.

Mrs Higson, who is backing our campaign, said it was important for the people of the region to support local producers to allow them to thrive in business.

She said: “I’m sure it does help local people, anything like that does. It brings it all together and helps local producers, which is very important.

“We want to get Rothbury back on the map again with local produce.

“On behalf of the organisers, I would just like to thank everyone who helped make this possible and such an enjoyable day.”

Launched in January, The Journal Taste North East England campaign is aiming to encourage people across the region to buy local, use local, eat local.

Backed by those working in the industry, we are appealing to shops – including supermarkets – to stock more North East food and drink and encouraging more hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes to serve more locally-produced food.

Local people are also being encouraged to appreciate the value of buying more locally-produced food and drink and to support farm shops and farmers’ markets.