Food fans saw top chefs cooking up a treat at the first ever Lichfield Food Festival.
Local culinary talents were joined by celebrity kitchen kings John Torode and Antony Worall Thompson for the event which took place at several venues across the city, including the Lichfield Garrick.
“As it was our first food festival, we hoped it would be popular, and we weren’t disappointed,” said the Garrick’s executive director Adrian Jackson. “Around 6,000 people came to see seven free cookery demonstrations in the Food Theatre, visiting 19 food stalls in the Food Studio, and sampling wine in the Vineyard in the Sky wine bar.
“We had some amazing comments from festival goers and we’re delighted it was such a hit.”
Visitors to the city were also able to enjoy £10 set menu offers at a number of restaurants, while Tippers in Lichfield’s Britannia Business Park hosted two free cookery demonstrations by celebrity chef Nick Nairn.
Lichfield Arts’ Best of British Brewing Festival in the Guildhall’s Guildroom was packed with people over the weekend that tasted and bought Real Ale, while enjoying the musical entertainment. Thirty stalls on Market Square were also able to showcase the best in local wares.
The Lichfield Food Festival also saw the judging of the Jubilee Cake Competition:
- In the under 12s round, 11-year-old Alice Laingham won with her crown on a cushion shaped cake. Five-year-old Beauanna Neale came in second place and Sophie Langham came third.
- In the 12 to 16s category, 14-year-old Erin Connelly won. Jessica Brown (age 15) came in second place and Fiona Lewis (age 14) came third.
The festival culminated in a cookery show by John Torode who prepared two dishes of beef, including a sirloin steak gazpacho with a horseradish and sour cream sauce and a rib eye steak served with a mixed mushroom and mustard sauce.
During his show, the master chef tasted and judged the three adult finalists’ cakes of the Jubilee Cake Competition, choosing Amy-Jo Neale’s sponge cake in the shape of a royal orb on a cushion as the overall winner.
Adrian Jackson added: “The cookery demonstrations were fantastic over the weekend, with John Torode ending the festival on such a high with his witty and passionate display of cooking.
“It was a pleasure to be involved in the festival and great to see so many people enjoying all the different elements of it. Having had such good feedback, we’re already planning next year’s event.
“I’d like to thank all the organisers of the festival, especially chef Simon Smith who was a massive help over the two days. Many thanks also to all the local food producers, chefs, restaurants and bars that took part, making the event such a success.”
Click below to see more pictures from the event: