Hands-on workshops, fascinating cookery demonstrations, topical Eat Your Words sessions and enlightening wine seminars…whatever your age there's something to be learnt by all at this year's Dartmouth Food Festival (Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October).  As it's free to enter, make sure you head to Dartmouth for the opportunity to discover the fabulous world of food and drink. 

Producers from the South West, as well as a few from further afield, are lining up to confirm their attendance at this year's festival, with over a hundred producer spots available.  Tideford Organics, South Devon Chilli Farm, Riverford Organic Farmers, The Dartmouth Ice Cream Company, Sharpham Wine & Cheese, Mark Lobb Fish & Game, Dartmouth Butchers and Shaldon Bakery are just some of those who have already booked their place and will be showcasing their wonderful artisan products in October.  As well as the fantastic opportunity to sample, buy and talk to passionate producers, the festival has gained a reputation for attracting some of the region's most culinary gifted chefs.  With free cookery demonstrations on throughout all three days, crowds are sure to be impressed with the flair and talent of the celebrity chefs whilst gathering some invaluable top tips.  Mitch Tonks, Mark Hix, Richard Bertinet, Richard Corrigan, Gizzi Erskine and Nathan Outlaw have already confirmed their participation.  

The series of Eat Your Words, talks and discussions is in its second year and is already attracting both nationally renowned and international speakers. Toronto based Jennifer McLagen,the provocative food writer behind the trilogy of the books BONES, FAT and Odd Bits, is extending a European tour to attend the festival.  Other big names already confirmed and certain to attract the crowds are Henry Dimbleby, the co-founder of the fast-food restaurant chain Leon, Orlando Murrin,former BBC Good Food editor and founder of Olive and Diana Henry, the Sunday Telegraph's award-winning food writer.  In addition, the author of several cookbooks and prominent food blogger, Jenny Chandler will be enchanting an audience of food enthusiasts. Eat Your Words at Dartmouth Food Festival is championed by writer and TV presenter, Lucy Siegle who specialises in environmental issues and ethical consumerism.  Lucy is a regular contributor to The Guardian and the BBC's One Show.

Back by popular demand, Susy Atkins will once again be leading the festival's fantastic drinks' programme.  Famed for her appearances on BBC1's 'Saturday Kitchen' as a regular wine expert in addition to the wine columnist for the Sunday Telegraph's 'Stella' magazine and drinks editor for Delicious magazine, Susy will be joined by an outstanding line up of prominent drinks' experts.  The Guardian's wine writer and one of the UK's leading experts on food and drink matching Fiona Beckett, master of wine Liam Steevenson from Red & White wines, Mitch Tonks' sommelier and director of Sommelier's Choice, Tim McLaughlin-Green and wine consultant and educator, Rebecca Mitchell will all be hosting a unique array of relaxed and informative wine tastings and seminars, guaranteed to educate and excite.

Commenting on this year's Dartmouth Food Festival, which is in its twelfth year, festival director David Jones says: “In Dartmouth we have the broadest appeal of any free festival in the country.  Whether you are a family enjoying the atmosphere, a budding cook looking to learn new skills or a student of gastronomy wanting to hear cutting edge speakers, we have it here. The many facets of the festival will link together to create an inspirational three day event.”  

In the lead up to the festival there'll be a whole host of enjoyable activities taking place across Dartmouth for all the family.  To mention just a few, there will be the annual afternoon fashion show and tea party, a highly competitive foodie quiz and the ever popular Festival Feast at The Flavel - an exquisite array of delicious dishes lovingly prepared and cooked by many of the chefs taking part at the festival.  Dartmouth's highly regarded The Seahorse has a packed schedule of events for the week.  Whilst Thursday 23rd October will see the return of the hugely popular children's day.  A fun filled day full of hands-on workshops and activities with local food and drink producers, run in association with Dartmouth Academy. 

Dartmouth Food Festival is delighted to announce The Seahorse & RockFish, Coast & Country Cottages, Manna from Devon Cooking School, Corinium Care, Jelf Financial Advisors, Inspirations at RGC, Café Alf Resco, Browns Hotel, Smith Street Deli and Dart Marina Hotel & Spa as its confirmed sponsors to date.

For further information and updates about the festival please visit www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com, 'like' the Dartmouth Food Festival on Facebook and follow @DartFoodFest on Twitter

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Dartmouth – background information

Dartmouth is a stunning place to visit all year round.  It is filled with ancient narrow streets, boutiques, art galleries and delicatessens.  There is a cobbled market place and a host of exciting restaurants, pubs and cafes in the town.  It's a real foodie destination whether the Food Festival is on or not. It's also home to the Britannia Royal Naval College. There is a fantastic array of accommodation, from top end hotels to extremely family friendly self-catering cottages, both in Dartmouth and in the surrounding area.

Beautifully positioned on the River Dart estuary, enjoy Dartmouth by land or sea.  Sail, fish, explore by boat or take the steam train ride to Paignton for a real treat.  Other places of great interest are Dartmouth Castle and National Trust properties, Greenway and Coleton Fishacre.  There's also the South West Coast Path to explore and wonderful beaches to relax on.

For further information, photography (by Original Image Photography) or an interview with festival director David Jones, chef Mitch Tonks or wine expert Susy Atkins, please contact:

Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing - hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk;

Tel: 01548 550 429 / 07887 474 104