Whitchurch Food & Drink Festival took place in Jubilee Park on Saturday, May 16th. The festival was funded by Whitchurch Town Council and local events business, Shropshire Festivals, delivered the free community event.
Despite some grey clouds, thousands of people descended on the park which was filled with stands from local businesses, street food, bars, chef demonstrations, live music on the bandstand, and hands-on activities from local organisations. Children were spoilt for choice with free activities including inflatables, an obstacle course, circus skills, alpacas, sports activities, and more. Visitors also picked up an ale trail leaflet to explore local pubs and bars.
Many of the exhibitors said the day was very successful, with some selling out of their products.
The Barti Rum Bandstand Stage hosted the Whitchurch Brass Band, Whitchurch Singers, Exotic Zoo, Ultraviolet Harmony (from Sir John Talbot’s School), Twisted Halo, Groove Dynamite, and Dirty Rockin Scoundrels.
Katy, age 11 from Sir John Talbot’s School won the school garden colouring competition, which was judged by the Mayor of Whitchurch, Cllr Rose Hall. The prize is up to £250 towards completing a school garden project, donated by Shropshire Festivals.
Local chefs and producers took to the Monks Chef Demo Stage. The lineup featured Steve the Hungry Guy, Clare Mainwaring from The Oteley Estate, James Sherwin from Wild Shropshire, Stuart Collins from Docket Restaurant, Tim Roberts from Su Casa, and Marie Powell from Powells Pies.
Newly reselected Mayor of Whitchurch, Cllr Rose Hall, and her Consort, Michael McDonald visited the Whitchurch Food & Drink Festival throughout the day and spent time chatting to stallholders and visitors.
Cllr Rose Hall, said, “Despite a slight downturn in the weather, it was a delight to see thousands of people return to Jubilee Park to enjoy our second Food & Drink Festival.
“It was also great to see an increase in exhibitors year-on-year, plus street food stalls with cuisines from around the globe, as well as chef demonstrations, local charitable organisations and the garden area with hands-on activities.
“The addition of the ale trail helped increase the number of people in the town centre, which was wonderful.
“Whitchurch Town Council fund the event to the level we do to ensure it is a free event for all, despite cost increases in the event sector. Massive thanks to our event partners, Shropshire Festivals for their professionalism and expertise, and everyone involved, for helping to put on a fantastic day of family fun. And, of course, thanks to everyone who came along to make the day a great success. Here’s to 2027!!”
Beth Heath, Shropshire Festivals’ Director of Fun, said, “It was great to see families and friends buying from local businesses, dancing to local bands, and learning from local chefs. Footfall across the town was up, with visitors from further afield coming to discover the town. I spoke to one chap who had travelled from Fleetwood for the event, staying locally and making a weekend of it. That’s a small example of the impact an event like this can have. A big thanks goes to Whitchurch Town Council for funding an event which does so much for the town and local businesses – I encourage more local councils to follow suit!
“Thanks also to our brilliant sponsors for elevating the event with their support, Barti Rum, Monks Estate Agents, County Loos, Dulson Training, Cartwrights Waste Disposal, The Market Town Vet, and Paycare.”
Mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Rose Hall, with Beth Heath, Director of Shropshire Festivals.
