Organised jointly by Market Place Europe, Merseyway, Totally Stockport and Stockport Council, Stockport’s first Food & drink Festival featured celebrity and local chefs, a fantastic selection of culinary favourites from across the world and an a la carte menu of entertainment – all proving to be the perfect ingredients for another top event in Stockport.
The sun was definitely shining on the organisers of last weekend’s Food & Drink Festival as huge crowds packed into Stockport Market Place and throughout Merseyway shopping centre into Mersey Square.
For three days, Stockport town centre welcomed over 70 more traders, complementing the surge of new food and beverage businesses in the town and at the recently regenerated Produce Hall, bringing more delights from around the globe.
Artisan treats and international street food whet the appetites of visitors on Saturday as TV chef Simon Rimmer and Masterchef’s Simon Wood took to the Chefs’ Stage to entertain an appreciative audience, demonstrating great techniques, cooking up family favourites and inspiring tomorrow’s chefs.
Taking centre stage and topping the bill on Sunday was children’s favourite, Mr Bloom and his Band who got the kids rocking – and a few mums too! Pop Candy Party, Jack Woodward and A Million Dreams Greatest Showman tribute band topped off with 5 Star Unique brought the curtains down on what has been billed as a fantastic weekend.
Totally Stockport’s Manager, Paul Taylor, was delighted with the turnout:
“As with any new outdoor event, there are always a few nerves but hats off to the people of Stockport who made this a fantastic, first 3-day Food & Drink festival. There was something for everyone of all ages: our celebrity chefs entertained wannabe chefs on Saturday while Mr Bloom had the children singing and dancing on Sunday. This is definitely the first of what I’m sure will become an annual festival in Stockport”.
Strawberries were the order of the weekend and on more than one menu! A Strawberry Trail in Merseyway led children to hunt out delicious fresh strawberries and strawberry stone painting attracted children of all ages while Carmen Meander entertained the crowds with her signature fruit hat as she performed musical classics including ‘I Yi Yi Yi Yi Yi Like you very much’ and ‘Chica Chica Boom Chick’.
Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager said:
“Stockport’s Food and Drink Festival was a phenomenal success bringing in thousands of extra visitors to Merseyway and the town itself throughout the weekend. Hundreds of families took part in Merseyway’s food and drink themed events including a strawberry trail and craft workshops and it was great to see everyone singing along with Carmen Meander as she performed throughout the day! This event really demonstrated the benefit of working collaboratively as a town centre and we’re looking forward to participating in more events like this in the future.”
In Mersey Square, Strawberry Radio – Stockport’s newest local radio station – hosted the Strawberry Sounds Stage where favourites including Alex Stewart, ABBA fusion, Movie Magic and 5 Star Unique kept the festival alive with music and dancing.