Showpiece Dales festival serves up a treat for foodies

A FEAST of entertainment is being laid on at the popular Dales Festival of Food and Drink.

The event, which finishes today, has already attracted more than 10,000 visitors to Leyburn over the weekend who were also able to finally enjoy a taste of spring weather.

It showcases the very best products from bread to beer, as well as a range of cookery demonstrations from the region’s top chefs, and in particular offers a chance for small, local producers to display their wares.

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Scores of exhibitors including bakers, pie and cheese-makers, butchers, and fishmongers have travelled from across the North for the festival, with other stalls also featuring herbs and spices, preserves and sweets.

Festival administrator Sandy Carter said it had been “heaving” with visitors and another big day was expected today.

Winning beer at the event’s real ale and cider festival was yesterday named as Northallerton Dark, made by Wall’s Brewing Company in Northallerton. More than 50 different drinks are available to sample including a new brew named King o’t’ Dale created by Harrogate’s Daleside Brewery, which is said to capture the style and flavour of ale from the times when the young Richard III spent his early life at nearby Middleham Castle.

The event also raises money for local causes. Since it was founded in 2002, it has generated surplus funds of more than £140,000 distributed to community groups for spending on items ranging from Christmas lights to village hall improvements.

The event runs from 10am-5pm today. One of the main features will be a Speaker’s Corner talk by writer Gervase Phinn at 2pm.

Tickets are £8, with children free if accompanied by an adult.

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