Sparkling Wine and Wit at Launch of the Lit Fest
More than 75 connoisseurs of fine wine and the written word attended the launch of the Literature Festival as part of the Chester Food and Drink Festival.
Chairman of the Chester Literature Festival Bill Hughes launched the event at a celebrity packed champagne tasting at the Food and Drink Taste Marquee. The evening went with a fizz, with four sparkling and four Champagnes being sampled, and the audience were treated to a talk by TV chef Guy Wolley. Mr Hughes announced that confirmed authors at the October Literature Festival include Timothy West and Prunella Scales, Professor Lord Robert Winston, David Starkey, Mr Hughes’s old Latin teacher Colin Dexter, who penned the Inspector Morse novels, Michael Mansfield and Kate L’Armour.
Chairman of the Chester Food and Drink Festival Stephen Wundke said: “Here in Chester we are working to make Chester a must see destination. Twenty thousand people are coming here for the Food and Drink Festival. We are trying to create a series of Festivals in Chester, in conjunction with the city council. We are trying to pool our efforts to create world class events. The Literature launch is about trying to get our friends from the Literature Festival along to hear about events for this year’s programme.”
Bill Hughes said: “Literature is a celebration of words. You cannot have food and drink without words. Cookery books have a fascination with the spoken word. Menus are like modern poetry. Menus have an amazing use of words and lyricism. The Literature Festival is in October and lasts a complete month. We have a wonderful mix of celebrities and a whole range of events.”
Guy Wolley, of UKTV Food, said: “It’s great to be here in Chester. What really interests me about food is the cheeses, olives and charcuterie; food with history. A food revolution has happened in the UK in the last 10 years and I can see this in Chester. There’s been an explosion in what is made. I sell fine, speciality food. My favourite book is Down and Out in Paris, by George Orwell. I love owning books and am three quarters of the way through writing a book.”
The Champagnes and sparkling wines were provided by Rodney Densem Wines Ltd.
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Guy Wolley trained as a chef at The Savoy and has worked in the catering industry for more than 25 years, moving into TV less than 5 years ago. He is UKTV food’s resident expert and trusted reporter, presenting from around the world. He contributes to many magazines and newspapers including Elle and Parent Wise, also BBC London and Oxford. His interests include motor racing and music. Guy owns a deli in South London.
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The Taste Marquee contains over 100 retailers and growers with samples of Cheshire, North Wales, national and international produce, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Cheshire. Highlights include a chocolate fountain & chocolatieres, icecream, wines, beers and liquers, pies, roasts and game, sausages, watercress, juices, organic products and hundreds of taste experiences. Family tickets are £12, adults £5 and concessions £3.50.
The Food and Drink Fringe Festival is taking 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.
The Gala Awards Dinner will ensure 250 people sample a gourmet menu sourced from leading producers in the North West and celebrates the best of the region. This is on Tuesday April 10 2007.
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.
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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