Festivals unite in Chester for "sneak preview' of 2007 programmes
The programme of events for the Chester Music and Literature Festivals will be unveiled at this year’s Chester Food and Drink Festival. Chairman of the Chester Literature Festival, Bill Hughes will announce the 2007 programme at the Taste Marquee on April 7, where UKTV presenter, chef and food expert, Guy Woolley will discuss writing about the world of food and drink. The following night, Chairman of the Chester Music Festival, Robin Wendt will launch this year’s musical programme, with music provided by The Doric Quartet.
The ticket only events will be staged at the Food and Drink Festival’s Taste Marquee at Castle Square, Chester from 7pm to 9.30pm on April 7 and April 8.
Stephen Wundke, Chairman of the Chester Food and Drink Festival, said: “This is an outstanding example of Festivals in Chester coming together, putting on quality events. We have seen a revolution in food and drink in Chester and Cheshire and we want to see the same buzz in literature and music. For the first time, these two new events are being staged in the Taste Marquee. We hope that not only lovers of food, but those who appreciate literature and music will be drawn to these very special nights. There will be two terrific performances from Guy Woolley and The Doric Quartet to enjoy, as well as eight varieties of champagne and sparkling wine. This is a exciting addition to the Food and Drink Festival.”
Bill Hughes, Chairman of the Chester Literature Festival, said: “Come and see us at this wonderful launch event during the Chester Food and Drink Festival. Literature is a vital part of everyday life and nowhere more so than in the food sector. We have been fortunate to see the works of some terrific chefs published recently and in Guy Woolley we have an expert with real passion to tell us about his recent work as an author and chef. I am looking forward immensely to hearing Guy during the 2007 Chester Food and Drink Festival and to telling everyone about the very special events we have lined up for them in the Autumn.”
Robin Wendt, Chairman of the Chester Music Festival, said: “This year the Music Festival is delighted to be launching its programme of exciting events for the Summer at the Chester Food and Drink Festival. We look forward to tasting some great champagne and canapés and hearing the wonderful Doric Quartet with all of our Festival friends. It is my privilege to be able to unveil the 2007 schedule on this evening and highlight some of our very special events.”
For more information about other events happening over the Chester Food & Drink Festival please visit www.chesterfoodanddrink.com.
Chester’s Food and Drink Festival is organised on behalf of Chester City Council with support from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Visit Chester & Cheshire; the tourism board for Cheshire and Warrington, Cheshire County Council, Made in Cheshire, North West Fine Foods and the Rural Recovery Fund.
Tickets to the launch parties on April 7 and April 8 include a taste of eight different champagnes and sparkling wines and four different canapés per person and cost £25. Book now with Chester Festivals on 01244 340618 or online at www.chesterfestivals.co.uk
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Editor’s notes Actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, as well as TV historian David Starkey are among the line up for the 2007 Chester Literature Festival in October. For more information visit: www.chesterlitfest.org.uk
The main Chester Music Festival runs from July 5 to 26, 2007. The Royal Liverpool and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras, internationally renowned pianist John Lill and acclaimed vocal group Tenebrae, together with chamber music, jazz, folk and world music will form part of this year’s Music Festival. There will also be a visit from the National Youth Orchestra of Spain as part of its UK tour. More information can be found at www.chesterfestivals.co.uk or by calling 01244 320722.
Chester Food and Drink Festival Taste Marquee is planned for April 7th to 9th 2007, Easter Saturday to Easter Monday. The Marquee will contain more than 100 retailers and growers with samples of Cheshire, North Wales, national and international produce, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Cheshire.
Celebrity chefs already lined up include TV chef extraordinaire & vegetarian expert Simon Rimmer, Robert Kisby newly appointed executive Head Chef at the recently refurbished Cock O Barton near Farndon and Michael Caines, one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs and operational Partner and Director of ABode, the group of boutique hotels he co-founded.
The Food and Drink Fringe Festival will also take place around the City from April 6 to 15, 2007 with special events, restaurants, bars and hotels all helping to make Chester the focus of food and drink within the UK, with theme nights, special family offers and accommodation promotions.
Evening events include the champagne tasting evening on Saturday April 7. A cocktail and mixology competition, attracting more than 100 attendees last year, to be held on Sunday April 8 with competitors from bars across Cheshire. On Monday April 9 plans are for a combination of music designed to stimulate the taste buds and the Gala Dinner and awards ceremony will ensure 250 people sample a gourmet menu sourced from leading producers in the North West. This is likely to be held on Tuesday April 10 2007.
Special events include the farmers market and the ale assize and medieval banquet on Saturday April 14th.
2006 Visitor Survey 16,000 people visited the Taste Marquee and £90,000 was spent there over the three days. - 51 per cent of visitors came from a distance of more than 25 miles, making a total of 8,000 people brought into the City. - 78 per cent of people surveyed said the event was good or excellent. - 87 per cent of people surveyed said they were likely to return. - Nearly 100 producers and exhibitors were on show in the Taste Marquee, bringing their own skills and produce from Cheshire and around the world to be part of the Festival. - There were seminars and competitions in micro brewing, wines, sausages and cheeses and the opportunity to taste local paté, black pudding, bread, cereals, oils, pies, meat, fish, cheeses, chocolates, liqueurs and even a juice bar.
Festival brochures will be available across the City from March. Phone 01244 351609 for more details. For further information on the region go to www.visitchester.com. More general information at www.chesterfoodanddrink.com
Press Contacts: Jane Harrad-Roberts Mob: 07785 395705 Phil Brotherhood Mob: 07884 493370 Tel: 01244 330000 MARKETING PROJECTS Email: info@marketingprojects.co.uk
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