Leyburn, Wensleydale (postcode for Sat Nav – DL8 5SG)
4th – 6th May 2013
The Dales Festival of Food and Drink returns in 2013, located on the outskirts of Leyburn on the A684. It’s always well signposted and very easy to find and has plenty of free parking if required. This year it is being held on the May bank holiday weekend and is expected to be as bustling as ever.
The Dales Festival of Food and Drink brings together all the best bits of the local area and community – from tasty food such as cheese and chutney, to the farming community behind the production to the award winning ales and ciders.
There is a large marquee which homes around 70 food stalls which of course let you try before you buy. The stalls sell all kind of yummy things such as cupcakes, pies, cheese, chutney, artisan breads, ice cream, eggs, organic yogurts, Yorkshire Parkin, fish, game, poultry, herbs, pickles, vinegars, cider, beer, liqueurs, whisky, wine and the list goes on and on.
Aside to all the food on offer there are many other attractions such as a cookery theatre which hosts five demonstrations each day over the weekend. The chefs are all from the local area and provide a lot of entertainment whilst showing off their skills. They try when possible to use only local produce…the majority of the ingredients are sourced from the food hall. So if there is a recipe that tantalised your taste buds you can purchase the ingredients you need and whip up exactly what you saw in the comfort of your own home.
Opposite the theatre you will find the Richard Whitley Pavilion where you shall find all the musical entertainment form the renowned Leyburn, Muker and Reeth Brass bands – famed in the area and have even played internationally. There is musical entertainment for around 7 hours each day with Morris dancing between the live bands.
There is also a chance to witness some farming displays including sheep dogs, sheep and sheep clipping. You can also find out how to train your dog to do some tricks and heel to music.
And last but by no means least there is the popular drinks tent, serving you around 30 award winning ciders and ales from a number of local brewery’s including Black Sheep, Daleside, Old Bear, Dent, Wensleydale, Ilkley and Roosters…so many to enjoy you’ll have to buy a weekend ticket to sample them all.
For further information regarding the Dales Festival of Food and Drink please visit www.dalesfestivaloffod.org
