Tulip Talk with Jan Whitbourn

Last weekend saw the first Food Festival in Spalding for three years and over 2,000 people came to enjoy the delicacies of South Holland’s micro food Industry.

There were 53 different stalls, over 45 of which were food related, giving a good selection of produce.

The venue provided by South Holland District Council had many people remarking on how good the site looked when stalls and marquees were in place.

Lincolnshire’s celebrity chef Rachel Green entertained crowds in the demonstration marquee, with her enthusiastic and witty repertoire and vast knowledge of food.

Rachel was an absolute star supporting all the local chefs who demonstrated throughout the weekend including restaurateur Karl Sergison from Sergi’s Delicatessen, Will Vernan from the Chequers at Weston, Loyd Luis from The 1948 Spice Affair and Ken Hart from Cook Connect, who we know from the annual Pumpkin Festival.

They all performed extremely well and Rachel said the chefs did brilliantly, she thoroughly enjoyed the happy atmosphere created by the local people. Rachel was particularly delighted with their keen interest and knowledge of food.

Rachel said the aim was to show the audience how to make the most of locally produced food, do it healthily, cost effectively and of course to promote the various producers and stall holders.

As well as some excellent locally produced ales and cider, entertainment was provided in the refreshment area on Saturday by local singer and guitarist Meg McPartlin, who got people dancing with her beautiful voice; Grantham based ceilidh band Charlie’s Ant followed and they encouraged some feet tapping while people enjoyed their lunch.

On Sunday Spalding’s Meena Lee Quartet and an acapella singing group called Octovox entertained and were very well received.

Town Centre Manager, Dennis Hannant sang his Rat Pack numbers in between singers all weekend.

There was something for everyone, a small funfair and Creation Station and chefs from 167 Catering Support Regiment RLC, made a fantastic impression by showing young people how to make mini pizzas.

Tulip Radio helped out where needed and provided news, music and supported the entertainers where needed, everyone is looking forward to hearing about the festival next year.

If you would like to see pictures of the event go to www.tulip-radio.co.uk.