The 7th 'Taste' South Gloucestershire Local Food & Drink Festival this year is being held from Friday 23 September until Sunday 9th October with plenty of events for everyone of all ages to join in. The Winterbourne Barn is again holding is very popular and successful Orchard Harvest Day on Sunday 9th October; Marshfield Bakery are providing the opportunity to some lucky residents to experience a tour of their bakery - visitors to Thornbury Farmers' Market on Thursday 6th October can watch a free live cookery demonstration using local produce sourced mainly from the market itself - and lots more. A full programme can be downloaded in the 'Read More' box on the right hand side of this webpage.
Last year's event was hugely successful - thousands enjoyed the autumn sunshine to attend the 40 separate events held throughout the district. Last year's event was launched in Staple Hill High Street with the Show of Strength Theatre Company staging "Trading Local - Theatre in Shops" which went down a treat in local food and other retail outlets. The council's 'Live Lighter' campaign was also show-cased during last year's festival, not only giving residents nutritious and fun recipes to try, but also scattered throughout each of the 5 receipe cards, were simple, achievable ways that people can do their bit towards lessening the ffects of climate change.
Buying locally produced and seasonal food is great for the local economy, the environment and for your health. It reduces food miles and packaging waste, the food is often fresher and cheaper - and people can become reconnected with where and how their food is produced.
The council is supporting the Local Food & Drink Festival and co-ordinating a steering group who will manage the event. This group is made up of local producers and representatives from the National Farmers Union, South Gloucestershire Council, farmers' markets - and a local chef.
A Local Food Directory (updated in 2008) as well as a report from the 2010 local food festival can be found in the 'Read more' section on the right-hand side of this page.
A link to the Local Food Website (under 'Other websites' - also on the right-hand side of page) provides further information and a map showing where you nearest local producer is.