Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts
From 2011 - 2013 this was the official website for The Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts.
The content below is from the site's 2011-2012 archived pages
A new website was created for the 2013 festival.
The Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and Arts was launched in 2009. The festival is organised under the auspices of the Moretonhampstead Business Association (MBA) with the aim of promoting local food suppliers and producers.
Latest Press and Media release
18 February 2011
Food Festival Catches More Big Fish
More top names have joined the final ensemble for the Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and Arts , including flamboyant fish masters, Paul and Steve Reah – who recently held a grand opening for their new Torquay seafood restaurant – and Mill End Head Chef, Wayne Pearson.
Some 70 stalls have confirmed their participation in the festival, which takes place on 5th March. As well as the chance to try and buy fabulous local food and drink, festival goers will be treated to cookery demonstrations from some of the South West’s best chefs including Michelin Starred Michael Caines from Gidleigh Park, who will be opening the festival as well as giving the first demonstration.
The latest big names to sign up for the festival – Paul and Steve Reah – are renowned for kitchen fishery tricks. Previous exploits have seen the pair cook up shark and even a giant halibut weighing in at 87kg. The brothers run the Woodford Bridge Country Club in North Devon and have just opened the Reah Brothers at the Pavilion in Torquay.
They will join other masters of the trade including Wayne Pearson, Head Chef from Chagford’s celebrated, Mill End, in the demonstration kitchen. Championing classical English cooking with a modern twist, Wayne has built a great young and enthusiastic team at Mill End all of whom share his commitment to using the best the local area can offer. Wayne has worked at some of the leading establishments in the country and was elected to the elite ranks and privileges of the Masterchefs of Great Britain in 1996.
“Securing the participation of the Reah brothers and Wayne Pearson is icing on the cake if not the cherry on the top!” says festival organiser, Peter Middleton, Chair of the Moretonhampstead Business Association.
“We are overjoyed with the response we’ve received from suppliers and producers to take part in this year’s festival. So much so that we’ve had an influx of bookings for stalls and have had to close applications as a result. Visitors are guaranteed a great day out with celebrity chef demonstrations, bands, Morris dancers, magicians, choirs, children’s entertainment, art exhibitions and a secret studios arts trail, not to mention the great food on offer!” he adds.
Moretonhampstead – What a success!
As predicted Valentines day brought a last minute influx of bookings for stalls and a a result we are now full! Some 70 stalls, 15 Artists demonstrating and 10 Secret Studios have now made sure we will have a great day. We have Celebrity Chef demonstrations, Bands, Morris Dancers, Magicians, Choirs and Childrens Entertainers to keep you smiling whilst you enjoy and partake of the finest food the South West has to offer. Come along and join us we are proud of our town and excited to show you what it has to offer!
Welcome to our 2011 Festival
Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts
Saturday March 5th 2011
9:30 am - 5:00pm
Opening and demonstration by Two Star Michelin Chef Michael Caines M.B.E.
Wayne Pearson – Executive Chef Mill End Hotel
Reah Brothers – Spirited Sole and Reah Brothers at the Pavillion Torquay
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Demonstrations throught the day
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70+ stalls with quality food and drink from as close as the next door to as far away as Cornwall
- Art demonstrations in the Church and a ‘Secret Studio’ trail through the town
- Want to help as a volunteer? Leave your details in the form below and we will get back to you
- Food Business and want to Exhibit ? We are now full for 2011 please leave your details below if you would like to come in 2012.
- Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts
Arts at the Festival
We will be showcasing the artists and craftspeople of Moretonhampstead and Devon.
Visit the Secret Studios of Moretonhampstead. We have many artists living and working in the town. Come along and visit their studios and talk about their work.
Local artists will provide childrens’ activities outside St Andrew’s Church and in other venues
Inside St Andrews Church there will be an exhibition of Devon artists who will display work on the theme of FOOD and drink. During the day there will be demonstrations by the exhibiting artists.
Musicians in the Church during the day will include: Moorhens; Moortones; Levi Moretons; Flute Salad, Col Jan and Aimee, and the Wild Violets.
In St Andrews Church there will be an Exhibition of regional arts and crafts, the focus will be on Food and Entertainment. Photographer Adam Woolfitt will give a talk about his work, many other artists will demonstrate their techniques. See the programme
The Secret Studio trail will allow you access to the studios of our many local artists. Look out for the flags and maps…
Entertainment
The White Hart are supporting the Festival – 5th March
12:00– 15:00– food and drink festival in Moretonhampstead – Our theme for the day will be a sausage buffet which we will run from the restaurant. Different sausages seved with a bap and different chutneys with onion relish etc
Then from 18h00 – 20h00 a band in the lounge/bar for – This is free as its in the main hotel ‘the Levi Moretons’
Then from 20h00 – 00h00 – a Disco in the Stag Suite “London Underground Theme” Tickets at the door £ 10 and £ 5 for pre bought tickets – All the proceeds at the door will be split between the pre primary school and moretonhampstead youth club
Not to be outdone…
The White Horse www.whitehorsedevon.co.uk will open at 9am for Tea, Cakes and Snacks. Lunch from the extensive Mediterranean menu (check out the delicous Pizza) will be served from 11am.
At 8:30pm Hazaar will be playing in the bar!
Cogs and Wheels Morris
Will be with us to show us the best of their Morris Dancing moves www.cogsandwheels.co.uk
They will perform two sets around lunchtime – Program will be released on 15th February
and…..
As if by Magic…
Magician Dan from 52 Card Magic will also be with us throughout the day www.52cardmagic.com
Cooking Demonstrations – Programme
MORETONHAMPSTEAD FOOD FESTIVAL – SATURDAY 5TH MARCH, 2011.
COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE PARISH HALL
COME AND SEE, COME AND LEARN, COME AND TASTE!
FABULOUS COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS BY LOCAL CHEFS INCLUDING MICHELIN-STARRED MICHAEL CAINES.
BUY A TICKET AND GET FREE ENTRY TO FOODIE RAFFLE – MEALS OUT, COOKBOOKS, COOKERY ITEMS SIGNED BY OUR CHEFS, DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCTS, CHOCOLATE BROWNIES AND “BRITAIN’S BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE”. PRIZES AFTER EVERY DEMO!
10.00 – 10.45 MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF MICHAEL CAINES OF GIDLEIGH PARK AND ABODE LEADS OFF WITH A DELICIOUS DEMONSTRATION OF THE BEST OF DEVON FOOD.
12.00 – 12.45 WAYNE PARSON, HEAD CHEF OF MILL END HOTEL, CHAGFORD COOKS UP A STORM SHOWING US HIS HIGHLY INDIVIDUAL AND EXCITING STYLE OF FOOD.
14.00 – 14.45 WAYNE PEARSON OF MILL END TREATS US ALL TO A VERY CHOCOLATEY EXPERIENCE AND PROMISES LOTS OF FREE SAMPLES OF HIS “ASSIETTE DU CHOCOLAT”
15.15 – 16.00 THE REAH BROTHERS. STEVE AND PAUL, DO SOME EXTRAORDINARY (AND VERY TASTY) THINGS WITH FISH.
SEEING IS BELIEVING!
DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN KINDLY SPONSORED BY CASTLE KITCHENS, PLYMOUTH
Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts 2012
09:00 – 16:30 – 10 March 2012
All 90 stalls now sold out!
As the first festival of the new year, the Moretonhampstead Festival doesn’t disappoint both in terms of the number and variety of exhibitors or in the number of visitors it attracts. In 2011 around 5,000 people turned out on a (very!) crisp spring day to taste the very best of local food and drink as well as some fantastic arts and craft displays. Work is well under way to make the 2012 Festival even bigger and better
"I attended the 2012 Festival and it was amazing! Tons of great vendors and innovative artwork - hours of fun just walking around. What made my day was winning the Batman raffle. Must admit I'm a Batman fan from forever and I simply adore the prize - a pullover hoodie with Batman movies printed in striking colors on the back. I also had the best ribs ever from the people at Hog Heaven who came all the way from the BVI. Heard John and Mame perform their fantastic flute duets and was even able to chat with them afterwards. I'm wearing my Batman sweatshirt right now and am all in for 2013!" Steve Wilson II
Welcome 2013
Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts
09:30 – 16:30 – 9 March 2013
As the first festival of the new year, the Moretonhampstead Festival doesn’t disappoint both in terms of the number and variety of exhibitors or in the number of visitors it attracts. In 2012 around 6,000 people turned out on a beautiful, crisp spring day to taste the very best of local food and drink as well as some fantastic arts and craft displays.
Work is well under way to make the 2013 Festival even bigger and better.
Visiting the Festival
Entrance to the Festival is completely free of charge for everyone.
Location
The Festival takes place on the streets of Moretonhampstead.
The Cookery Demonstrations will be held in Moretonhampstead Parish Hall, central to the Festival site.
Parking
There are two public car parks in Moretonhampstead – on Station Road and Court Street. Festival Parking will be available on Betton Way. Parking will be £2.00 per car (to include a Festival programme). Please look out for the yellow directional signs.
Disabled Parking
A section of Court Street car park is being set aside as a designated Disabled Parking area. This is for use by blue badge holders only. Please follow the signs for Festival Parking and continue on to the Court Street Car Park. Stewards will be in this area to assist.
There is also a disabled drop-off point outside of the Gateway Tea Rooms.
Children
There will be a number of activities for children of different ages throughout the day. Please visit the information point on the day to find out more.
Food, Farming & the Local Community
A fast and furious debate concerning matters that lie at the very heart of this rural community.
Friday 8th March 7.30pm
Moretonhampstead Parish Hall
This year a new element has been added to the Festival’s already packed agenda. On the evening of Friday 8th March in the Moretonhampstead Parish Hall a debate will take place – the subject of which will be the sustainability of Food, Farming & the Local Community’. Chaired by John Govier of BBC Radio Devon, it is expected that the panelists will engage in lively, furious but also humorous discussion.
We are inviting questions for the panel to be submitted in advance to [email protected]
Hunters Ale will be serving their finest Devon ale keeping up the tradition of Moreton’s historic 32 ale houses and Grumpies delicious hot beef and ale pies can be enjoyed at half time.
Tickets, £3, may be reserved in advance by contacting [email protected] and may be available on the door on the night
Panelists include:
John Govier, award-winning radio presenter, Radio Devon, will chair the meeting
Award winning radio presenter, John Govier, hosts his own show on Saturday Mornings for BBC Radio Devon, championing local music and chatting to people with interesting stories to tell. The programme attracts around 50,000 listeners, and last November, Govier was named Best FM DJ in the South West Music Awards 2012. He has produced and presented many fascinating programmes since he joined the BBC as a programme assistant in 1993, spent time as a director of programmes and continues to produce outside broadcasts and live events.
He tends to take an oblique approach to interviewing his guests subsequently prompting many strange tales and revelations! His Saturday morning show encourages gentle anarchy and listeners have learned to expect the unexpected!
John lives in Devon and searches the county for all that is best in music and conversation.
Ed Hamer – Chagford Organic Farmer
Ed Hamer is a farmer and a journalist. He has written for The Guardian, The Ecologist and Resurgence and is co-editor of The Land magazine. In 2010 he co-founded Chagfood community market garden which now supplies over 80 ecologically-produced veg boxes a week to Chagford and neighbouring parishes. Ed is passionate about the role of traditional farming skills and knowledge in food production in the 21st century.
James Paxman – Chief Executive Officer of the Dartmoor Preservation Association
James Paxman is the Chief Executive of the Dartmoor Preservation Association, a charity founded in 1883 to safeguard the future of Dartmoor. In this role he is a local spokesman for Dartmoor on a variety of rural policy issues.
He first came to live in Devon in 1998 fleeing the confines of London and following a career in information technology and in international container shipping.
His interests include walking, fishing and rowing and he lives close to Moretonhampstead with his wife and family .
Melanie Squires MBE – Regional Director of the National Farmers Union
Melanie Squires comes from a Cornish dairy farming family and has lived in Devon for the last 10 years. She joined the NFU South West team in January 2002 as a policy adviser, promoted to senior in 2003 and then to Regional Director in March 2006.
She is an honours degree graduate in Agriculture from the Seale-Hayne faculty of Plymouth University (1997-2000) and prior to this obtained a National Certificate in Agriculture from the Duchy College (1992) in Cornwall. She undertook the Worshipful Company of Farmers’ Challenges of Rural Leadership course in November 2005 and subsequently made a liveryman of the Company. She served a term as a Vice-President of Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers in 2006-2009.
She is also a Director for SW Chamber of Rural Enterprise (SW CoRE) 2006-to date, and has held/holds various strategic roles relating to the farming, food and rural sector during her time in the NFU. Such roles have included SW Food and Drink Board (2006-2011), SW Sustainable Farming and Food Board (2006-2011), trustee to the Seale-Hayne Education Trust, oversees the administration of the Dairy Crest/NFU Scholarship, is a member of the Forestry Commission regional advisory group, previously RDA rural advisory group member, is a member of the SW Business Forum, SW CBI Council, is a Duchy College Council member and rural representative on the advisory group for the Heart of SW LEP.
In June of 2008 she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours for services to Gloucestershire’s rural community and for animal welfare efforts during the flooding of July 2007.
Prior to joining the NFU, she was assistant agricultural co-ordinator with the Cornwall Agricultural Council for Objective One and has also worked as a hands-on dairy herdsperson for several years prior to her time at Seale Hayne. A long held passion for farming means she is committed to the furtherance of agriculture in all its facets for a sustainable future, both in terms of output, as well as for its custodians, and the next generation.
Tony Beard – Retired farmer and broadcaster (The Wag of Widecombe)
Tony Beard is a true Devonian, known universally as ‘The Wag from Widecombe’. Born and bred in Widecombe-in-the-Moor he spent many years working on his family farm, a genuine ‘son of the soil’, now retired. His unmistakable Devonshire voice has kept him among the most popular of the County’s broadcasters on BBC Radio Devon, where each Sunday, he presents ‘Devon Requests’ for three hours from 12 noon.
‘The Sunday Request Show’ and his ‘Dartmoor Diary’, in which he talks about the many interesting facets of Dartmoor’s natural history, rural life, archaeology and history, make him one of the station’s favourite presenters.
A founder member of the Widecombe History Group, Tony is always much in demand as an After Dinner Speaker and also gives talks on Dartmoor, its history and legends. A lover of the Devonshire dialect, having produced CDs of some of Jan Stewer’s favourite songs and stories. His talks are always delivered with a great sense of humour. In the past he has been a regular on the Westcountry comedy cabaret scene.
He is a past President of the Devonshire Association and still lives in Widecombe-in-the-Moor with his wife Wendy where he is involved with the running of The Annual Widecombe Fair every September.
Trevor Colman MEP for the South West Region (UKIP)
Trevor Colman MEP, a Cornishman born on the Bodmin Moor. Trevor attended the local Grammar School, leaving at the age of 15 years to become a ‘kettle boy’ in a farm suppliers yard at Tavistock. After a spell as a court clerk he joined the Devon Constabulary in 1962 and served, mainly in the CID, all over Devon and Cornwall as well as on a large corruption enquiry in London. After 33 years service he retired in the rank of Superintendent. By this time he had become a published author of fiction and non-fiction as well as being broadcast on Radio Four. He also became an advisor on the television series ‘Wycliffe’. In 1999 he attended a political meeting for the first time in his life and became politically active almost immediately. During the ensuing years he designed and produced four videos/DVDs on the European Union which have been sold and distributed all over the world in their hundreds of thousands. He became an MEP in October, 2008 and was re-elected as the number one candidate for UKIP in the 2009 European election. He has two sons and lives in Bishopsteignton with his wife Sue.
Peter Trevelyan OBE, The Met Office
In the mid nineteen nineties he worked with forecasters and weather scientists to devise a world leading Meteorological Production system known as Horace, delivering significant commercial success with the system taken up by meteorological agencies in Thailand, United States Air force in Europe, NATO, Belgium, Bermuda, Jersey, Kosovo and Australia. Since 2005 Peter has gone on to architect and champion the development of the latest generation of advanced weather forecast production system, especially in support of UK military operations, which is also being adopted by the United States Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA).