Wallington event brings in £80,000 for exhibitors

Posted by The Journal on Nov 5, 09 01:52 PM in News

The Wallington Food and Craft Festival has generated in excess of £80,000 for exhibiting producers, according to a survey conducted by the North East England Food and Drink Group (NEEFDG).

The festival also enjoyed record-breaking numbers with 17,592 visitors coming through the gates at the National Trust property in Northumberland for the two-day event last month.

Wallington Food and Craft Festival

The festival featured leading producers from the North East and Cumbria including 2008 Great Taste Supreme Champions Beckleberry's of Blaydon, along with other regional producers such as Thorncroft Drinks of Stockton, Simply Northumbrian of Chathill, Yellowfields oil of Morpeth and Cumberland Mustard of Alston.

Adam Marks of Cumbrian-based Mr Vikki's, makers of homemade Indian fusion pickles and curry pastes, one of the exhibitors, said: "There was an exceptional quality of produce on display at the Wallington Food and Craft Festival from all the traders and it was a very well organised event.

"We sold a considerable amount of produce and definitely hope to attend again next year."

The Northumbria Larder demonstration kitchen was in place at the festival, with top local chefs Richard Sim of Baltic's Six restaurant and David Kennedy, North East Chef of the Year, on hand to give a series of mouth-watering displays.

One of the highlights of the demonstration kitchen was the cooking of some prestigious Wagyu beef from Monkridge Farm in Northumberland.

Sandy Duncan, of the North East England Food & Drink Group, said: "The Wallington Food and Craft Festival 2009 was an outstanding event. To generate in excess of £80,000 for the producers exhibiting has been a fantastic result.

"Considering the current economic climate, the scale of the proceeds generated and the attendance illustrates that the popularity of local produce has never been stronger.

"The event itself is also now completely self-sustaining and has emerged as one of the region's flagship food, drink and craft platforms, exhibiting local products of international quality."

"All those involved in the Wallington Festival will be doing everything possible to make sure next year is an even bigger success."

Belsay Hall's Christmas Gift Fair takes place this weekend, Nov 7 and 8, with local food and drink produce and gifts galore on offer.

Exhibitors include the award-winning Northumberland Cheese Company which will be selling a wide range of locally-produced, premium quality cheeses and traditional Hebridean liquor specialist Brian Gleeson will be on hand to help visitors choose the perfect stocking filler.

The Hall, Castle and Gardens will all remain open on the day. For more details on admission prices and opening times, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Photo by Paul Harris

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