Thousands flock to Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair

Derbyshire County Council held its thirteenth annual event on Saturday and Sunday in the grounds of its Elvaston Castle and Country Park for the second time.

And thousands of visitors enjoyed tucking into various delicious foods at around 150 stalls including Caribbean food, homemade crepes, Spanish churros, artisan breads, local cheeses and much more.

Coun Andy Botham, Derbyshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many people to our Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair and it was fantastic to see them enjoying themselves.

“Derbyshire is blessed with a host of talented local businesses and it was great to meet some of them and find out how much they enjoyed the weekend too.

“The fair has gone from strength-to-strength since it launched and it provides a real boost to the local economy by helping to support our food and drink producers.”

Celebrity cook and author Dean Edwards shared his skills in the cookery theatre and there were demonstrations by leading local chefs throughout the weekend.

There was also an arts and crafts section with local artists displaying their wares which ranged from contemporary art to traditional craftworks.

The Owen Taylor stand was one of the most popular throughout the day with people snapping up its award-winning burgers, sausages and speciality pies.

The Leabrooks-based butchers and bakers was founded in 1922 and now employs 120 staff.

Factory manager Chris Gillott said the company had been selling its wares at the food and drink fair for about six years.

“It is promoted and advertised well and it is very well organised. We do very well and it is the only show that we do,” he said.

Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair was launched by the county council in 2002 to showcase local produce and has previously been held at Bolsover Castle, Kedleston Hall and Hardwick Hall.