Melton Mowbray Food Festival gets another taste of success

Thousands of visitors descended on the town centre where 185 exhibitors showcased their delights at the 13th annual Melton Mowbray Food Festival – now one of the largest in the country.

Old favourites such as the world-famous Melton Mowbray pork pies and Stilton cheese, all produced locally, were as popular as ever and an international street area, serving delicacies from France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Caribbean also went down a treat with attendees.

Other attractions included a professional food theatre with talks and demonstrations – and a family fun area giving youngsters the chance to try their hand at food preparation.

Dr Matthew O’Callaghan OBE, of the Melton Mowbray Food Partnership, said: “A third of traders at this year’s event were new to the festival and I bumped into people who had travelled from Coventry, Essex, Doncaster and Derby.

“The attendance was heaving both days and despite the rain on Saturday, we reckon we had a five per cent increase.

“This year we made a few positive changes including the layout and structure as well as providing entertainment from the New St George morris dancers and the Melstrum Ukulele Band. Both seemed to go down really well.

“Overall this was one of the best festivals I’ve helped put on. There were a few minor issues with car parking and disabled access which I apologise to people for, but because of redevelopment on site the situation was out of our hands.

“I’m already looking forward to next year’s event which is likely to be even bigger and better.”