MORE than 20,000 foodie fans will be descending into Chester this Easter weekend for the ninth annual Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival, which will be held at Chester Racecourse.
Top chefs from across the region will be demonstrating a range of exciting and tempting dishes at this year’s festival. Big names include Simon Rimmer, Michael Caines and Thomasina Miers,Š as well as other favourite chefs including Andrew Nutter of Nutters, Ian Matfin of ABode Hotel Manchester, Nigel Smith of Ribby Hall and Paul Taylor of the Fat Loaf restaurants.
As well as watching chefs, there is the opportunity for children to discover their own cookery talents, with the Academy of Culinary Arts.
The academy will be running food workshops, teaching children the importance of healthy eating and trying new and exciting foods. Sessions will be run throughout the day and are free.
A first for the festival, Sharland’s Fun Park will be bringing rides to keep the children happy and entertained while mums and dads sample all that’s on offer in the festival.
Also a first for this year’s festival will be Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle’s BeerFest, which will be taking place from today to Sunday from 7-11pm.
More than 40 guest ales have been confirmed for beer lovers to guzzle to the backdrop of local bands bringing the festivities to life.
More than 170 food, drink and lifestyle stalls will be wafting smells, sizzling sausages and selling all kinds of delicious food and drink for foodies to try and buy.
This year the farmers’ market will be bigger than ever before – featuring more than 20 stalls selling local produce including cheeses, cakes, meats, fudges and preserves.
Festival organiser Stephen Wundke said: “This year we are taking over even more of the Racecourse in order to bring to Chester a truly sensational festival, which will appeal to both food and interior lovers as well as children and families.
“The festival is the perfect solution for those looking for a day out this Easter and with hundreds of stalls, children’s rides, a camper festival and beer festival there is something to keep everyone entertained.”
Tickets are priced at £6 for adults, £4 for concessions and children get in for free. Campervan tickets are £20 per person in advance and £30 on the day.
Tickets also include entry to the festival and camping from today to Monday. Visit www.chesterfoodanddrink.com for further details.
