Accrington Market is set to take centre stage at this year’s #AmazingAccrington Food & Drink Festival with a host of brand-new family attractions inspired by the historic ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign.
The much-loved market will become a hub of activity on Saturday 6th June, with free fruit giveaways for children and a fun selfie competition helping to celebrate food, community and family fun in the heart of Accrington town centre.
As part of the celebrations, Smiths Fresh Produce on Accrington Market will hand out 200 free Royal Gala apples to children under 12 between 10am and 2pm, offering youngsters a fresh and healthy treat during the event. Children simply need to bring along their festival flyer, which is currently being distributed to local primary schools, to claim their free apple.
Children will also have the chance to win a special fruit hamper from Smiths Fresh Produce by taking part in a special festival selfie competition. Families are invited to take a selfie using the themed selfie frame next to the stall and upload it to social media tagging #AmazingAccrington for the chance to win.
Accrington Market will be a key destination throughout the festival, with visitors able to explore a huge variety of stalls and products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, cheese and eggs, fashion, pet food, tools and much more.
Just a short walk from the market on nearby Broadway, the ‘Dig for Victory’ theme will continue with a series of free interactive seed planting workshops hosted by Prospects Foundation throughout the day.
The hands-on activities will give children and families the opportunity to plant vegetables including runner beans, carrots, kale and lettuce in biodegradable cardboard pots before decorating them to take home and nurture themselves.
The workshops will run hourly from 10am until 2pm, with the last session beginning at 2pm. While the sessions are free to attend, families are encouraged to register in advance via Eventbrite to guarantee their place.
Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990174330998
The workshops form part of a wider programme of D-Day commemorations taking place throughout the festival, including a special procession beginning at 12:15pm, a short service at the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden in Accrington town centre and a re-enactment in the grounds of St James’ Church on Cannon Street.
Visitors can also enjoy a spectacular display of military vehicles and attractions on the town square, alongside performances from 1940s singers and dancers throughout the day.
The #AmazingAccrington Food & Drink Festival will feature more than 80 food, drink and craft stalls showcasing local, regional and international cuisine, along with live cooking demonstrations from Dunkenhalgh Head Chef Sean Noonan and TV’s Punk Chef, a brand-new Taste of Hyndburn tent, a Chilli Challenge and much more.
Karl Smith from Smiths Fresh Produce said: “This is such a great idea. We can’t wait to welcome everyone down for their free apples and to take part in the selfie competition.”
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, said: “There is so much to see on Accrington Market, from fresh fish to clothes and everything in between. It’s fantastic that Smiths are handing out free apples as part of the Dig for Victory theme and even giving youngsters the chance to win a free hamper.
“Add to that the seed planting workshops and all the other attractions taking place throughout the festival, and there really is lots for families to enjoy throughout the day.”
Helen Earnshaw, TreeACTION Officer at Prospects Foundation, said: “The seed planting workshops are always a really popular activity with children and families. They are a fantastic way to get young people interested in growing their own food and learning more about nature and the environment in a fun, hands-on way. It’s educational, creative and something children can continue to enjoy at home after the festival as they watch their plants grow.”
The #AmazingAccrington Food & Drink Festival is sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council and the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa.
To stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, visit www.amazingaccrington.co.uk
