Last weekend saw the return of Stone?s annual Food & Drink Festival. The event drew over 17,000 food lovers last year, with 2012?s event promising to be bigger and better than ever.
The festival attracts a large number of businesses from within Staffordshire and beyond, such as breweries, and independent food producers. Taking place at Stone?s Westbridge Park since 2004, the event has grown steadily, with more contributors promoting their produce each year.
The festival has a distinct focus on quality, with a huge selection of seasonal, local and regional produce. It is organised entirely by unpaid volunteers, and all proceeds are used to fund next year?s festival.
However, rumours point to a possible re-development that could change the festival?s location next year. Festival chairman Richard Stevens encouraged council naysayers to come and see the festival in full-swing for themselves to see how much it is appreciated by the local community. One festival-goer spoke about how she would be sad to see the event cancelled: ?The festival is super! It would be upsetting because I think that it?s really good for the town. It brings a lot of people into the town?it would be sad to see something like this go.?
Richard Stevens strongly believes that the borough council?s decision could result in the event being moved and not being as successful. This year?s bonfire at the same site is also at risk of being cancelled. Stevens stressed the sense of community that these events bring: ?This would be the 26th year this year. The bonfire raises thousands of pounds for local groups and charities. There is nowhere else this could take place.?
700 people have so far signed a petition to keep Westbridge Park open so that community events can continue, but until a decision is reached, the future of Stone?s Food & Drink Festival is under-fire. It is clear that local people want it to stay, as the benefits can be felt not only in the town, but throughout the county.
Source: http://omgstaffs.com/2012/10/17/fears-for-the-future-of-popular-stone-food-and-drink-festival/
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