REGIONAL produce is the focal point of a new cross border event celebrating the local food and drink of Dumfries & Galloway and Cumbria. The Local Food Show is being held at H&H Bordermart in Carlisle on 23rd March and it will showcase the best of local produce alongside chef demonstrations and breakout sessions covering a wide selection of topics.
Around 10 food and drink producers from Dumfries & Galloway are taking part, and local chef Chris Walker of Selkirk Arms Hotel in Kirkcudbright will be leading one of the main masterclasses of the day, sharing his experiences of the benefits that using local food can bring to businesses.
Recognising that artisan and local food production is a shared strength of both Dumfries & Galloway and Cumbria, it is hoped that The Local Food Show will be the first of several cross border food and drink collaborations.
The event has the support of DG Food and Drink, University of Cumbria and Cumbria Tourism, with event sponsors including Armstrong Watson, McVities, Nestle, Bendles Solictors, Lakeland Hampers and Carlisle City Council. Event organisers hope it will attract encourage members of the public as well as the tourism industry, hoteliers, B&B owners and public sector organisations to buy and use more locally produced food and drink.
Lorna Young of DG Food and Drink said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for Dumfries & Galloway businesses to showcase their produce right at the start of the busy tourism season, and it’s a great opportunity for hospitality and retail businesses near Carlisle to find out more about how local produce can add value to their offering.
“There are still a small number of trade spaces available for Dumfries & Galloway producers who want to take part, and there is an open invitation to members of the public, hospitality, public sector and retail businesses who want to visit or take part in any of the masterclass sessions.”
For more information visit www.localfoodshow.co.uk . The event will be open from 12-5pm and will be free for visitors to attend.
