Unusually August Bank Holiday was sunny, and this makes a huge difference for a food festival.
The Great Food and Drink Festival returned to Newstead Abbey, better than ever, for the third year after the huge success of previous years.
This year’s festival was a ‘Big Bake’ event, the second one of the year following Markeaton Park in June.
Over the weekend a host of well-known celebrity bakers took to the kitchen demonstration theatre, showing the audience how to make the perfect cakes and desserts.
GBBO winner, Candice Brown, appeared on Saturday 26th August, with Rosemary Shrager appearing on the Sunday. Gizzi Erskine and Cherish Finden were demoing when I visited on the Monday. I managed to catch one of Cherish’s demos in which she made chocolate truffles. She seemed lovely and not at all like the strict judge she is on Creme de la Creme.
A smaller marquee held workshops from the Hartland Pies, Thermomix, The Bakehouse, Chilli Bob, and also housed the Big Bake Competition.
Lots of stalls were selling fabulous produce as well as an array of artisan crafts. If you are looking to try something new or an original take on some old favourites such as cheese, sausage or vodka, then food festivals are a great opportunity to do so. I’ve picked up lots of bits and from festivals so my cupboards are pretty full, but I couldn’t resist taking home a few things, as you can see in the video below!
[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyEEKSyEXwg”]
The layout worked really well this year, with the stands leading into the gardens with a dedicated bar area and also a DJ so folk could relax in the stunning grounds of Newstead Abbey.
Hot food was available from some of the regions best loved producers and restaurant owners such as Johnny Pusztai, Des Sweeney from the Cross Keys and Yamas.
This event gets bigger and better. Keep an eye on the Great Food & Drink Website for details of upcoming events.
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*My tickets were complimentary but my views (and purchases) are my own.
Words & photos by Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
https://www.tanyalouise.net/
