BEST EVER 'Taste' Festival 2009

Taste Festival goers agree that this year's event was the best ever!  Not only were there 9 new events to go to this year - all first time entrants - but the warm autumn sunshine meant they could be enjoyed all the more.

The newcomers to the Taste Festival included the vineyard at Thornbury Castle (who were celebrating their 500th birthday); Shipton Mill (who supply flour to Hobbs House Bakery); Avon Valley Railway's Sponge School; a Multi-Faith Harvest celebration at St Mary's Church, Thornbury; Old Down Country Park; Pomodoro Mediterranean cookery demonstration; Greencore Chilled Sauces & Soups; Great Western Brewery and butter-making demonstrations.

Chilli tasting champions!  Manor Farm's newly opened Chilli Farm drew crowds to not only see how and where they are grown, but also to test their abilities in tasting some of the hottest on the farm!

Did you know?

• 38 Separate events were organised

• Over 9,000 people attended through the festival

• 42 South Gloucestershire farmers' markets were promoted

A detailed report on the month-long festival can be viewed on the South Gloucestershire Council's website

The Taste Festival Stall at the launch this year encouraged people to eat local and seasonal food - not only because it is fresher, tastier and often less expensive, but also because it is good for the environment too - saving much in carbon emissions and packaging.

J