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National hunger for region’s produce

THE food and drink sector in the region is poised for a major boost tomorrow when one of the country¹s leading festivals rolls into Newcastle and Gateshead.

Now in its fourth year, the acclaimed EAT! festival will deliver a series of events that will champion food producers and culinary talent stretching across the two cities.

Carol Bell, head of culture and major events at NGI said: “EAT! aims to raise the profile of the food and drink sector in the region through the promotion and engagement of local restaurants and food producers, which in turn generates more revenue for these businesses.

“The festival is a great example of how we can effectively showcase Newcastle and Gateshead to a national and international audience.

“The events in this year¹s festival have huge appeal and will encourage visitorsto the region.”

The event will kick-start tomorrow and will play host to a series themed shows, cookery demonstrations and a food adventure playground for children. In what is said to be the most adventurous EAT! festival yet, visitors will be able to dine 50 metres in the air, eat in the dark and sample food in a pop-up restaurant that has no menu, with all food made to order.

Simon Preston, festival director of EAT! said: “With more than 50% of thisyear¹s festival made up of free events, there’s no excuse not to get involved and sample some of the fantastic food produced and served in and around Newcastle and Gateshead.

“This is our most ambitious festival to date, and also the most adventurous. The most important thing is to enjoy re-discovering that food makes you happy.”

EAT! delivered more than £1m worth of media coverage in 2009, including a dedicated 30 minute programme on BBC Radio 4¹s The Food Programme and a 10minute feature on The Today Show.

The festival has already featured on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show and is a favourite of the Observer Food Blog and Guardian Guide.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .