The launch of the 2017 Chester Food Drink & Lifestyle Festival took place last night at 1539 Restaurant. The event now in its 17th year is always a popular event over Easter, this year attracting over 25,000 visitors. The launch was attended by local press, councillors and sponsors who have supported the event over the years. This year the festival will be raising money for the charity Action Against Hunger.
Principle sponsor Allington Hughes, now in their 5th year of Sponsorship brought along many of their valued clients and Managing Partner Alison Stace explained how the firm got involved and what the two companies share “Our firm and the Festival have flourished over the last 4 years and we are delighted to again be working with Stephen and his team to bring about an ever expanded festival of interactive family events. We enjoy being a part of this fabulous experience every Easter at Chester Racecourse and this year’s event looks better than ever”
Main Organiser, Stephen Wundke told guests of the many additions to the 2017 event “We are already 30% booked for Camperfest and that was only released last week, with over 1500 expected to camp on the Roodee. It shows how many want to come back to Chester. We have just 40 places left, of the 155 exhibitors that we put onsite and the Artfest programme, which allows local artists to show their work, is already completely full.
” Our stage features the usual big name chefs that you expect but we are proud that they are being supported by our burgeoning crop of exceptional Cheshire, Chef Du Patrons, Liam McKay from Chefs Table, Gary Usher of the Sticky Walnut, Carl Noller from the Yard, Kevin Lynn from the Machine House and Ernst Van Zyl of The Lord Clyde are amongst those who will be on show. It really is an amazing eating scene across the city and county and we are so proud to be showcasing these talented chefs.”
The Cheshire Cookery School will be providing free cooking classes for adults and children, and there will also be a new VIP area. Stephen commenting on the recent restaurant boom in Chester said that there was a shortage of chefs and that the Young Chef competition would run again at West Cheshire College. The finalists will be judged on stage by the returning Masterchef star Gregg Wallace.
Samphire Magazine and the Festival are running the Samphire Junior Bake Off for children under 12 with some amazing prizes and judging by our celebrity chefs. The popular “Sausage of the Festival” will also return with a semi final staged at the Now Food Centre.
.”It’s the biggest festival we have ever put on and its four hours of family fun for less than £20.” said Wundke who also teased a “Fastest chef” competition as well as lots more things still to be announced.
For more information or to buy tickets go to: http://www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk
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