Local companies step up to the ‘plate’ for welcome return of Clitheroe Food Festival

THREE Ribble Valley companies have stepped up to the plate as the much-loved Clitheroe Food Festival makes a welcome return.

The Compleat Food Group, Fort Vale Engineering and Holmes Mill are sponsoring the festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 30.

Organised by Ribble Valley Borough Council, the top event makes a welcome return after a three-year break due to the pandemic.

And it looks set to attract thousands of food enthusiasts from across the North to Clitheroe town centre.

This year’s festival will feature quality food and drink – from wild game and Biltong beef to cheese truckles and curry kits, along with a feast of fruit and vegetables packed with authentic flavours – from around 90 exhibitors.

Bowland Brewery’s famous beer bus will be parked in King Street and its pop-up bar pitched on the Clitheroe Market food court, while festivalgoers can sample the olives and antipasti of the Compleat Food Group at its stand in Market Place.

Warren Bennett, managing director of Holmes Mill, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors, and sharing our passion for our products.

“Our Bowland Brewery bars will be on the food court on the market car park, while festivalgoers will find the Bowland Bus in King Street.

“Our beers are brewed at Holmes Mill in the heart of Clitheroe and everyone is invited to the mill to continue the celebrations, with live music on the outside stage until 9pm.”

Andrew Lawton, site manager at the Compleat Food Group, said: “We are extremely proud to be involved with the communities in which we operate and therefore delighted to sponsor the Clitheroe Food Festival, which we have supported since 2015.

“We are looking forward to welcoming festivalgoers to our stand in Market Place, where our team will be serving our famous olives and holding an antipasti tasting session in aid of charity.”

Ian Wilson, managing director at Fort Vale Engineering, added: “We are proud sponsors of the Clitheroe Food Festival, which supports regional food producers, sustainability and the local community.”

Ricky Newmark, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community services committee, thanked the sponsors for their generosity.

He said: “The Clitheroe Food Festival is a free family feelgood event that provides a vital showcase for local shops, business and producers, and a fantastic opportunity for people to see some amazing local produce.

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their contribution to this popular community showcase, which represents a considerable investment by the council and is making a welcome return after the pandemic.”

Further details and bookings are available at clitheroefoodfestival.com.