Wokingham

The second annual Wokingham Food and Drink Festival will feature a mouth-watering mix of flavours from around the world – and plenty from close to home as well. Local businesses are still being invited to take part and local bands and performers are needed to join the line-up of entertainment that will make the festival even more of a feast.

Last year’s Wokingham festival was a triumph despite some atrocious weather and this year’s event has been moved to an earlier date to try to avoid a repeat of the downpours – the dates for all foodies’ diaries are Friday September 5 to Sunday September 7.

Places for traders and exhibitors are already filling up and Wokingham’s town centre manager Brian Newman has secured one of the big names of the food world – The Festival of Food – for this year’s event. The Festival of Food is a roadshow that visits many of the most prestigious festivals in the UK with a marquee packed with fare from top producers, cooking demonstrations and samples to taste. Among the exciting exhibitors it will bring to Wokingham will be quality cheeses, sausages and toffees as well as an authentic Indian cooking demonstration.

Brian Newman said: “Securing the Festival of Food is proof that Wokingham Food and Drink Festival is firmly established on the map. Last year’s Wokingham festival was a success despite the weather and this year – with more money, time and experience behind us – it is set to provide visitors with a spectacular event.

“Traders who took part last year are already signing up again, which is always a good sign, but we have space for others, and would love more local exhibitors to take part. Wokingham town and the surrounding area is home to many wonderful pubs, restaurants and other food business and the festival is a great opportunity for them.”

Among the local Wokingham exhibitors already onboard for 2008 is Neill Bardo, head chef at the Cantley Hotel, who gave a very popular cooking demonstration last year and will again be wowing the crowds with his culinary skills this year.

Businesses wanting to take part in the Wokingham Food and Drink Festival can find an application form on Wokingham Town Council’s website: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

Local bands and singers are also urged to come forward for an opportunity to shine on a fully lit and equipped stage, as part of the festival’s live entertainment.

Brian said: “A band which performed last year were spotted by producers, and went on to perform at this year’s Clothes Show in Birmingham, so it could be a great opportunity. It could also be a starting point for building confidence in performing, or even just a chance to have a go because music is your hobby.”

Auditions will be held at the Wokingham Youth Centre on Reading Road. Anyone interested should contact the organisers at wokinghamfestival@bacyp.co.uk or on 07881 941344.

Wokingham Borough Council