Ten thousand people enjoyed an amazing day of food, drink and free attractions including a D Day commemoration war reenactment as the Accrington Food & Drink Festival returned to the town on Saturday 1st June.
The Food Festival’s main cooking demonstration area was headlined by TV and Michelin Star Chef, Glynn Purnell, who cooked up a delightful dish of turbot cooked in spiced coconut milk, with toffee carrots, passion fruit and cumin. Netflix star Molly Robbins showcased her extremely talented decorating skills with two fantastic demonstrations, while The Crafty Fox’s Paul Fox produced a delicious Chicken, Mushroom and Tarragon linguine.
Attractions were on offer across the town centre including the main cooking demonstration area and continental market on Broadway; food, drink and craft stalls on Blackburn Road; free fairground rides on Dutton Street; food stalls and the Accrington Market pods on the town square; as well as a cultural display and a giveaway from estate agents Pendle Hill Properties in the Arndale.
The event also paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a special commemoration including a war re-enactment, compered by BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Stephen Lowe. Set in the grounds of St James’ Church, which also featured a Hyndburn Food Pantry 1940s themed café, the re-enactment included a dramatic battle, as well as a lone piper performance showcasing the historic story of the “Mad Piper” on the beaches of Normandy.
New to the event this year was a Spitfire Simulator Experience and it proved extremely popular, giving people the chance to “take charge” of an iconic WWII Spitfire.
With 1940s singers performing around the event and seated areas to enjoy the delicious range of food on offer, the Food Festival enjoyed a real family friendly atmosphere, as visitors embraced the great weather and the very best of Lancashire produce.
There was also time for a special cake to be presented to Hyndburn Borough Council to celebrate their 50 year anniversary. The cake was produced by main stage star Molly Robbins and designed by Ruby D, aged 7, from All Saints Primary School, following a competition which ran in the weeks before the Food Festival and received over 900 entries from local Primary School students.
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “We are immensely proud to have delivered another incredible food festival for Accrington.
“We have had to do things a little differently this year with the change of location, but everyone has embraced it and it has been wonderful to spread the attractions across the town centre and see our regular market so busy.
“The Food Festival is all about local businesses and local Lancashire produce, and to see the number of people enjoying what we have to offer as a borough, has been fantastic.”
Local businessman Heath Groves, CEO of Sundown Solutions attended with his family and commented, “10,000 people came and went today – loads of people here all throughout the day. There was a queue round the block for most stalls!”
A Council spokesperson said: “The Food Festival is one of the best events of the year here in Accrington and 2024 has gone above and beyond yet again. We’re sure it will encourage people to visit future events in the Borough and support our local businesses. Well done to everyone involved!”
The 2024 Accrington Food & Drink Festival was sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, Vita Accrington, iMEP International Music Event Production, Sundown Solutions, Scott Dawson Advertising and Financial Affairs.
Keep up to date with the latest updates and gallery of photos from the event by visiting www.amazingaccrington.co.uk