Taking Lancashire to the House of Commons this #LancashireDay

International award-winning gins, Lancashire cheese, drinks made from hibiscus flowers and Bowland snails will be some of the of Lancastrian delicacies at a special event to promote the county as a leading destination for business and leisure, taking place at the House of Commons this #LancashireDay, Tuesday 27 November.

Over a dozen of the county’s tastiest producers will be celebrating the bounty of food and drink on offer in Lancashire at the event, hosted by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson and organised by Marketing Lancashire, the organisation charged with promoting the county on a national and international stage.

Tony Attard OBE DL, chair of the Board of Directors at Marketing Lancashire, said: “It is an absolute honour to be a part of the Lancashire Day celebrations in Westminster. This gives us an opportunity to speak about the latest opportunities, developments and investments in the Red Rose County at the highest level.

“In my year as High Sheriff of Lancashire, it is also a particularly proud moment for me to be able to bang the drum for some of Lancashire’s new and exciting producers while celebrating those traditional, established brands that have become synonymous with the county.”

Members of Parliament, Lords and Ladies and leading Lancastrians based in the capital are expected to attend the Lancashire Day event along with members of The Association of Lancastrians in London, including its president Johnny Ball and chairman Simon Moyle.

Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, said: “I’m proud to be hosting a celebration of all that is great about Lancashire. From its strong business and investment proposition to its collection of some of the country’s leading food and drink producers.

“On a day that marks the first time Lancashire’s first representatives attended Parliament, I hope I’ll have the support of all of my fellow MPS. I’m very much looking forward to marking #LancashireDay with this very special group of Lancastrians.”

The event, supported by official travel partner Virgin Trains and refrigerated transport leaders CoolKit in Burnley, is part of the county’s Lancashire Day celebrations. Marketing Lancashire is spearheading a social media campaign inviting proud Lancastrians to share their favourite Lancashire scenes, characters, events and delicious local produce using #LancashireDay. There will also be a number of prize giveaways from Visit Lancashire – the tourist board for the county and a division of Marketing Lancashire – including a spectacular VIP package of a stay at the two Michelin star Moor Hall in Aughton, a years’ supply of Dewlay Lancashire Cheese and a subscription to Lancashire Life.

Loredana Emmerson, marketing manager at CoolKit, said: “We take great pride in being based in Lancashire – a county that prides itself on quality, innovation and creativity.

“At CoolKit, we firmly believe in supporting our community in any way we can. We are honoured to be part of Taste Lancashire’s event for 2018, showcasing some of the best products and talent from the area.”

Michael Stewart, General Manager at Virgin Trains said: “We’ve been proud to serve Lancashire for over 20 years and are pleased to be playing our part in championing what the region has to offer. Lancashire is central on our route – located only two hours from London and Glasgow – and with our additional services to and from Blackpool that were introduced earlier this year, it’s even easier to make a visit by train.”

Lancashire Day was established by the Friends of Real Lancashire to mark the day in 1295 when the first elected representatives from Lancashire were called to Westminster by Kind Edward I, to be part of what later became known as ‘the model parliament’.

Last year Marketing Lancashire’s #LancashireDay campaign trended nationally with a reach of 74 million people in 1098 locations around the world.

Producers attending are: Atkinsons Coffee (Lancaster), Batch Brew (Burnley), Black Powder Gin (Weeton), Calyx Drinks (Burnley), Choc Amor (Mawdesley), Cuckoo Gin (Brindle), Dewlay Cheese (Garstang), Farmhouse Biscuits (Nelson), Heritage Kitchen (Bacup), L’Escargotiere Bowland (Waddington), Mr Fitzpatricks (Rawtenstall), Piemezzanae (Blackburn), Red Bank Cider (Radcliffe) and Wignall’s Yallo (Standish).

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Taste Lancashire

Taste Lancashire partners working together, to support Marketing Lancashire’s campaign to raise the profile of Lancashire food & drink nationally and internationally. The campaign also encourages local businesses to buy local, to support and promote Lancashire producers in their shops, on their menus and through their own PR activities. To see our growing list of Taste Lancashire partners and for ideas on adding Lancashire produce to your shelves or tables click here