Last updated at 15:08, Tuesday, 04 August 2009

ANY chef will tell you that you have to taste something to really appreciate it. And having had a taste of a food fair in Whitehaven two years ago, everyone agreed it was definitely time for another!

So the Whitehaven Festival Company committee have lined up a main course for August and have some super side dishes to entertain the crowds during the weekend.

And this year marks 10 years of events from the Whitehaven Festival Company. Ten years, more than a million people, several tons of fireworks, dozens of tall ships, more music than most rock festivals, comedy, chefs, airshows and so much more.

“I can honestly say it’s been an incredible ride for all the team,” said festival chief executive Gerard Richardson.

“This year we’re back with a new event, the Food Festival, but it does carry enough bits and pieces of the old Maritime Festivals to make everyone feel at home.  New this year are our outdoor chef demonstrations, a more focused drive with the music stages, a summer ice rink – of all things! – and the addictive Segway park.”

“What on earth has most of that got to do with a Food Festival?” he adds. “The answer is – nothing! But the whole idea of our events has always been to throw as many ingredients into the pot as possible, give it a grand old stir, add a few explosives and hey presto! You have another festival to remember.”

Programmes with full details of times and venues are now available from Whitehaven shops priced £2.

Turn to our Whitehaven Festival section for a full guide to events.

• Focus on celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott
• Focus on chef Jean Christophe-Novelli
• Other chefs appearing at the food festival
• Stalls, fun and fireworks
• Bands appearing at the festival
• Events in the air and on the sea
• Here & Now Concert 09

First published at 15:44, Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk