The first Evesham Pie and Ale Festival was a roaring success as the town’s Market Square and Abbey Park were packed with more than 1,000 food enthusiasts of all ages on Saturday.
The event was opened in the morning by the Mayor of Evesham, Councillor James Bulman, with visitors sampling a selection of the finest food and ales that the Vale of Evesham has to offer. Throughout the day events such as ferret racing and circus skills workshops also proved a hit with both children and adults.
Celebrity chef Tom Bridge was on hand to judge more than 50 entries for the day’s pie-making competitions.
Among the winners in the professional categories was Annie’s Market Garden, who picked up three awards including Best Sweet Pie, Best Pork Pie and Overall Best Pie.
The evening brought a merry atmosphere as local bands took to the stage and the pies consumed during the day were washed down with some fine ales from breweries such as Sadler’s and Purity.
Vecta Pie and Ale Committee member Mick Hurst said: “It was a fantastic event and the weather didn’t dampen Evesham’s enthusiasm for great food and ale! We had more than 1,000 people come along and there was a great atmosphere in the centre of the town throughout the day.
“The day was a great chance for local producers to show off their great wares and they rose to the occasion – there was everything from perfect pies, pints and piccalilli to great quality cakes, craft stalls and competitions.
“Celebrity chef Tom Bridge was a fantastic and entertaining host throughout the day and an expert judge for the pie competitions. Tom even commented on the high quality of Evesham’s pie producers, which is a real compliment considering he judges at dozens of pie festivals each year.”
With more than 40 stallholders in attendance, the festival proved very popular, attracting visitors from all around the area. The success of the festival suggests it could become a permanent fixture in the town’s calendar, promising a bright future.
Those who have pictures from the day or comments on the festival can tweet them using the #pieandale hashtag.
