Veggie olympics on the way! (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Veggie olympics on the way!

7:44am Wednesday 21st February 2007 in News By Peggy Clatworthy

Vegetable Olympics, including the crazy carrot relay and the beetroot bonanza is just one of the events the borough council hopes will attract people to this year's Tewkesbury Food and Drinks Festival.

The festival, now in third year, attracted 7000 thousands visitors last year and is looking for more this year.

Celebrity chef Sophie Grigson will be the star guest. She has written 14 books and appears regularly on TV.

She will be joined by Cotswold Chef Charlie Pettigrew Over 60 regional producers will fill the food hall, and offer tastings of everything from ice cream and chocolate to cheese and sausages.

A medieval food exhibition will allow visitors to learn about the way food was cooked in the past and sample traditional medieval dishes and wine tasting in the Parish Hall will give local wine makers a chance to show off their wares.

Youngsters will be encouraged to take part, not only with the Vegetable Olympics, but with also with competitions to devise a Tewkesbury Pudding and find the Junior Chef of the Year.

Town Mayor, Pete Aldridge has welcomed the event, describing it as one of the better ideas the borough council has come up with for the benefit of the town.

He said: "It is shop window for the Tewkesbury area, allows local businesses to demonstrate their wares and benefits the whole district."

Robin Richie, who makes and sells Tewkesbury mustard said: "It is a good fun event, where there is plenty of good food and you meet some nice people."

The festival, which this year has the theme Food Glorious Food, takes place at the Abbey on May 4 and 5.