MOUTHS are watering in anticipation of Leamington Food and Drink Festival next month.
The popular two-day celebration of the best local and regional food and drink has once again been organised by BID Leamington with the support of local businesses.
And this year it celebrates its 15th anniversary.
The free event, which will be staged in the Pump Room Gardens on Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11, will feature over 115 exhibitors including 37 town centre businesses.
Fizzy Moon Brewhouse and Grill is among 24 new exhibitors.
General manager Sylvester Kalocsai said he hopes their drinks van and food will tempt those attending the festival.
He continued: “We have been in Leamington for six years but this is the first time we will have attended the Leamington Food and Drink Festival.
“We thought it would be a new chapter in our history after Covid and we’re really excited to be going along and getting our business more well-known.”
Another new business attending for the first time is Social, which is a premium canned vodka drink launched by Wasps rugby players Brad Shields and Josh Bassett 18 months ago.
Brad, who lives in the town, said: “We have a market stall and we will be giving out samples at the festival as well as selling our products.
“We want to create a buzz around the business in our area and we’re excited to be going along to chat to people and we hope people will enjoy our drinks.”
Other favourites attending include The Shakespeare Spit Roast Company.
Owner Simon Harrison said: “We have been going to the Leamington Food and Drink Festival since the beginning and it has really grown over the years with more and more stands and the number of people who attend.
“That is mainly down to the organisers since BID Leamington is brilliant and even when it has rained in previous years, people have turned up and had a great time.”
There will be cookery demonstrations on vegan cooking from Rootyfuel, Zimbabwean cuisine from Caz Gundhu, Bread for Life by Jess Mooney and Greek food from Christina Kynigos.
Aubrey Allen’s popular cooking competition will be held on September 11 and there will be live music from Gebby and Myles, Abi Rowberry, Sam Lawrence, Luna Kiss, Enchanted and Room 17 from the bandstand.
Alison Shaw, BID Leamington project manager, said it was great to welcome new and old faces.
She added: “We are very grateful for everyone’s support and the mix of food and drink with entertainment is a winning combination as we aim to provide something for everyone whatever tantalises your tastebuds.”
For more information visit www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk.
