Ok, ok so it’s not strictly in Nottingham but its damn close in old ‘Ilson’, just a stones throw from Trowell.
We can’t resist a food festival, so we thought we’d let you know about the Ilkeston Food Fair taking place this Sunday 31st May. Following on from the fabulous public response to last years fair, organisers Carol and Gordon Pringle felt they had to do it again, and this time it looks set to be bigger and better with the fair also including plants and crafts as well as brilliant selection of local food producers.
Looking through the list of traders there are quite a few I’ve not seen at Nottingham food festivals before so it will be nice to treat ourselves to something new. Exhibitors will include Caribbean flavours from 63 Islands, Bakhtar Fresh foods (who I have previously purchased olives from), Buffalo Brownies (who I can see I’m going to have to try), locally produced jams and chutneys from The Busy Kitchen Company and Julie’s Pickle and Preserves, cheese from the Cheese Factor, there’s also the Cheshire Tea Company, Chilli Pepper Events, ethically sourced handmade Belgian chocolates from Cocoa Tabby (yes!), big cookies are promised from Cremadelcookie, diverse beers from Derventio Brewery and Nutbrook Brewery, Fabios Wood fired Pizza Oven, Field Bar Fruit Wines, luxury infused oils and vinegars from The Fruit and Herb Company, The Icicle Tricycle, Kathy Hazlewood Desserts, Little Friends Honey, Mrs Shah’s Curry Mix, Oakfield Farm Shop, Ooh La La Cakes, Simply Cakes, Sisters Cuisine, Teas and Tiaras, Tomi Bakery, Tornado Potato and Ultimate Fudge Outlet….phew!
It seems there will be something for the whole family too with live music to enjoy and for the children there will be a bouncy castle, pony rides and an animal petting zoo to keep them entertained.
Food lovers themselves, organisers the Pringle’s, both from Ilkeston are both from foodie backgrounds. Carol has worked in the industry most of her life whilst Gordon has run his own cafe, ‘The Rutland Cafe’ for the past 12 years. Inspired by the Derby Summer Market and the Belper Food Festival the couple wanted to showcase the brilliant artisan producers in their local area and create a positive image for the town.
Local Masterchef finalist, Pete Hewitt will open the fair which is on between 10am-4pm at the Ilkeston Rugby Club. At £1 per person entry fee the event is a bargain. Parking is also available at £1 per car.
See you there.
By Tanya Raybould
