Eat: Festivals, which includes Burnham-On-Sea, Weston-Super-Mare, Taunton and Wellington, have been shortlisted as the “The Best Food/Farmers’ Market” and the organisers, Bev and Sarah Milner Simonds, have been shortlisted for “Outstanding Contribution to Local Food Development”.

Festival organiser Sarah Milner Simonds said: “This is great recognition for our awesome traders, backers, top-class stewards and visitors who come together to make the festivals. We think this is brilliant news for the towns and the festivals. As you would expect we are up against tough competition in both categories, but what a credit to the hard work, creativity and inspiration in our four festival towns.”

Festival organiser Bev Milner Simonds added: “We are elated to have made the Finals in two categories. The festivals are a real celebration of each town and their great producers – we bring together the ingredients and, hopefully, add a bit of sparkle. What we aim to do is not only create a great free day out but help people to reconnect with the productive countryside around them. We were immensely proud to have been recognised in last year’s awards for our contribution to the local food scene and are humbled to have made the shortlist again. Good luck to all those nominated.”

Burnham’s MP James Heappey said: “Eat Food Festivals do so much more than flog great food. They celebrate the talent of our local farmers, the brilliance of our food producers and they encourage the community to support those industries by choosing local produce to eat and drink at home. In Burnham-On-Sea, I’ve seen the festival grow and grow to the point that the two festivals each year are real highlights for residents and visitors alike. That support has been won by Bev and Sarah’s focus in showcasing the best regional food and drink, alongside competitions, demonstrations and entertainment that makes the festival a great day out for people with all tastes and budgets. That guaranteed footfall makes these festivals an important platform for emerging local products.”

Western Daily Press Editor Gavin Thompson believes the West Country has plenty to celebrate. “Our food and farming industries are major employers in the West, providing livelihoods for many people, but they are so much more besides, our farmers are the guardians of the countryside. Our food producers, pubs and restaurants are among the reasons so many people visit and love this region. The Western Daily Press Food & Farming Awards are about celebrating that and recognising the creativity, determination and toil of the individuals and organisations which make those industries successful. Farmers and the food and drink industry face uncertainty over Brexit, with policies on farming subsidies and trade still unknown. But they have the ingredients to thrive and through these awards, we hope to shine a spotlight on some of the best.”

This is the third year that the Western Daily Press has held its own food and farming awards and they are designed to celebrate the hard work of people who help make the West Country such a great and more delicious place to live. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Rookery Manor Hotel in Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday May 9th.

 
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