Ludlow Food Festival is 25! Here are 5 ways it’s better than the rest

WHAT MAKES LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL BETTER?

1. THE ORIGINAL FOOD FESTIVAL

   Did you know we’re the first food festival in the UK? Before Ludlow burst onto the scene in 1995 there was nothing else like us in existence. Over the years we’ve offered advice to numerous other organisations. The founding team of directors have created a successful event model that is now replicated in towns and cities all over the country. From the 13-15 September we are proud to be celebrating our Silver Jubilee – come and join the fun!

2. BRINGING YOU THE BEST CHEFS AND LOCAL PRODUCERS

   

   DJ BBQ and Shropshire lad, adam purnell, on fire and on stage Photo: ludlow food

   Our primary focus remains supporting local producers and chefs from the region.  Over the years we’ve maintained a rigid catchment area across the Welsh Marches to ensure that the festival delivers the best possible showcase of talent from throughout the region. This means visitors can always expect the finest quality, locally sourced food and drink.

3. IT’S ALL NOT FOR PROFIT

   We’re still not for profit! Any surplus revenue that is generated goes back into planning for the following year’s events, as well as, supporting the charity that the Festival founded in 2017 – Marches Food Matters. The charity was established to make independent decisions about which organisations will benefit from our success. MFM supports individuals seeking practical help entering the industry, funds educational initiatives around food issues and works with those helping to alleviate food poverty in Ludlow and the Marches. If you’re interested in learning more about MFM please contact Chairman, Peter Hadley – books@hadley.co.uk

4. SUSTAINABILITY IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO

   We pride ourselves on being sustainable and championing the issues that really matter in the food supply chain. This includes highlighting relevant topics within our event programme, with expert talks covering everything from responsible sourcing, ethics and waste – particularly packaging and plastic waste. Sustainability is also at the heart of how we operate. We continue to maintain our longstanding relationship with the Slow Food movement and are constantly working to reduce our own environmental impact.

5. BEST LOCAL SUPPORT

   We couldn’t survive without the support of local people. The board of directors generously donate their time and expertise voluntarily. Additionally, we couldn’t put on the Festival without the amazing army of volunteers who help-out over the festival weekend. Some of our volunteers have been with us since the start, but every year we need lots of new people to get involved.  If you feel you have the time to be part of the team, we would really appreciate it. You can download registration forms from the website.