Dartington is once again gearing up to play host to its annual food festival, as the May Food Fair returns on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th May for the eighth year.
Hosted by shopping village, The Shops at Dartington, set in the idyllic grounds of the Dartington Estate, this two-day event attracts thousands of food-lovers as they flock to find the region’s finest food and drink, learn new cookery skills and watch demonstrations by top local chefs.
This free two day-event offers exceptional food and drink produced in the South West, alongside cookery demonstrations, workshop activities, local chefs, food producers, regional drinks, street food, family friendly workshops and live music to swing into the summer season. The festivities will continue into the evening on Sunday, as Bayards Kitchen will be serving pizza from 5pm. This year will see the next batch of Elmhirst Gin being distilled in the brand-new in-house distillery located in the Food Shop, made exclusively for The Shops at Dartington. With over 50 food and drink stalls under a marquee, visitors will be protected against the elements as they graze from stand to stand.
There are plenty of activities for both adults and children, including a LEGO building competition, magic shows, face painting, pot-throwing, story-telling, craft activities and live animals to meet.
Barbara King, Managing Director of The Shops at Dartington, said, “Families come from all over the South West and beyond to soak up the lively festival atmosphere of our May Food Fair. There are activities, competitions and entertainment for all ages, it’s such a fun day out. We see it as a great opportunity to promote the vibrant food and drink scene here in Devon, through the county’s fantastic chefs and producers.”
For the first time this year, The Shops at Dartington will also host the Mud Larks Fun Run – an obstacle course set through the grounds for families to get muddy whilst raising money for Plymouth Charity, Unity in Sport.
The Mud Larks Fun Run will consist of a 3km course, run twice by those feeling truly mighty, and includes a 500-foot zipline, 40-foot abseil, running through mud, navigating tyres, taking part in a dry kayak hill climb and there’s even archery thrown in too.
The 15 shops that make up the award-winning shopping village The Shops at Dartington will be open, providing seasonal food and drink tastings, home decoration ideas and unique gifts.
Working alongside Food and Drink Devon, the Food Fair aims to celebrate the very best of Devon’s thriving food and drink community, with emphasis on local, sustainable produce. All proceeds generated by the event go towards supporting The Dartington Hall Trust (a registered charity).
For more information, click here to download the document outlining everything you need to know.
