Third Annual Southport Food & Drink Festival Announced

The date has been set for Southport's third annual Food and Drink Festival - May 14th - 17th 2009.

Organisers believe this year's event will be the best ever as the festival has continued to develop since the first ever in 2007.

There will be a range of activities and attractions on offer throughout the four-day festival - from expert beer and wine tastings to chef demonstrations and family competitions.

There will also be a local producers market in the town centre and the large Continental Market will spread out along Lord Street.

A large 'Celebrate Southport' pavilion will be open to the public in the town centre gardens which will house local and regional chefs, stalls and an number of food related attractions.

Restaurants, bars, hotels and shops in the resort have also signed up for the festival and will provide taster menus, special offers, locally sourced foods, wine tastings, themed nights, competitions, talks, special offers and many more exciting activities in the town centre.

Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn, said: "The Food and Drink Festival has certainly made its mark on the events calendar and has proved to be incredibly popular with residents and visitors alike.

"People are much more aware of where their food comes from and how it is produced now and this really shows in the interest shown by those visiting the food festival.

"This is not just an event for the hardcore food fans though as there will be a host of activities and promotions for everyone to take advantage of throughout the four days."


To find out more about events in Sefton go to www.visitsouthport.com or, if you are a local business looking to get involved, call 0151 934 2337 or email sarah.carter@tourism.sefton.gov.uk