WITH almost 10,000 people flocking to Stanley Park in 2014, the inaugural North West Food Lovers Festival was a resounding smash.
It returns this weekend, with organisers adding live music to the three-day feast in one of Liverpool's loveliest, unsung settings.
Simon Rimmer from TV's Sunday Brunch and Jean Christophe Novelli, voted world sexiest chef in a recent Sky poll, are just two of the recent, big name additions to Liverpool's buzzing restaurant scene.
Direct from The Elephant pub and the new Michelle Brasserie at the Hilton Doubletree, the pair headline a host of local and regional chefs promising onstage cooking demonstrations on what is set to be a sizzling weekend.
Simon RimmerBut this year there is more: a second stage featuring artists rostered on August's Liverpool International Music Festival. They will line up for an unplugged series of sessions over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by Radio City.
Festival boss Stephen Wundke says: “The reception from visitors last year was just fabulous and with the help of Gemma McGowan and her team, from the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, we have put together an even bigger programme in 2015, something of which we are very proud and we know families will love.”
As usual with these things, over 100 food producers from the North West and beyond will be setting out their stalls, many putting on their own shows featuring their products on their stands. For the thirsty, there will also be champagne, craft beer and cider bars.
Based on our 2014 trip, the very least you can do is take home a few packets of award-wining Pen Y Lan sausages or some Saddleworth cheese from Sean Wilson, aka Corrie's Martin Platt. And don't leave without that kitchen must-have which actually works - the Any Sharp knife sharpener - sold to you after a great show of skill by the guy who patented it (main pic). Not forgetting, either, a jar of local Haughton honey, something to spread on your toast from butch Bootle bees.
Jean Christope NovelliThere are also free kids cooking classes put on by the Academy of Culinary Arts where children get to make dishes under supervision, that they can then take home with them. Organisers also promise a series of high quality children’s fairground rides.
*North West Food Lovers Festival, Stanley Park, L4, Fri July 3- Sun July 5: Online tickets £5 for adults, children under 12 are free. The event opens on Friday at midday and then at 11.00am on both Saturday and Sunday with closing time 6.00pm on each day. For more information or to book your tickets – where you can also get a free £10 taxi voucher for any Gettaxi in Liverpool, you should visit the website here
Local honey from butch Bootle bees
The sausage guy from Pen y Lan
