City of Wolverhampton is to hold its inaugural Festival of Food and Drink as the showpiece event for its 10 day visitor programme in July.

Type=image;ImageID=12888;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Festival of Food and Drink;TitleClass=strong;

The weekend festival, being supported by City of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton BID, will be staged on Saturday 8 July (1pm to 8pm) and Sunday 9 July (12pm to 7pm).

It will take place on Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre Ceremonial car park, St Peter's car park and the pedestrian area outside the University of Wolverhampton's Ambika Paul building.

Organiser William Power of Street Banquets - who has staged events across the country, will deliver the festival.

It is expected to attract around 40 food and drink outlets, plus food and cooking displays and experiences from the UK's best street food traders, local chefs, restaurants and bars.

A wide range of cuisines will be on offer alongside craft beers, cocktails, gin, Prosecco, juices and more.

On the Saturday the main stage will host live bands and comedians, and there will be a Champagne/Prosecco bar with music, a family area with an open air cinema and traditional fairground games.

There will be a similar offer on the Sunday, with an emphasis on families. The main stage will see acoustic performances and choirs, as well as competitions and fun games for children of all ages.

City of Wolverhampton Council Strategic Director for Place, Tim Johnson, said: "Food and drink festivals are hugely popular these days and we are proud to be hosting one in the city this summer.

"It will be the flagship event for our visitor programme in July and will provide the ideal platform to showcase the City of Wolverhampton on a national scale.

"There will be a variety of mouthwatering food and drink on offer from producers near and far, and entertainment for all the family."

Wolverhampton BID Director, Cherry Shine, added: "I am delighted this fabulous food event is coming to the City of Wolverhampton for the first time.

"We are hoping that this will be a regular date in the events calendar going forward."

William said: "This is something we've been working on behind the scenes for almost 3 years.

"We can't put into words how pleased we are that this is now a reality and are excited to deliver Wolverhampton's inaugural food and drink festival.

"Working alongside City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton BID, we aim to bring over 10,000 people into the city centre and make Wolverhampton one of the UK's finest street food and drink destinations.

"This will be a great way to eat, drink and hang out for the entire family."

The final festival programme is being developed and further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Type=image;ImageID=12887;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=;TitleClass=strong;

  • released: Friday 12 May, 2017