Village taste buds go round the globe
FOODIES took a global culinary tour at this year’s Littleborough Food and Drink Festival.
Cuisine from around the world was on offer at the popular annual event, which saw more than 20 stalls set up along Hare Hill Road and Victoria Street.
Among those taking part were chefs from The Green Door restaurant in Dearnley, who showed off their skills in the demonstration kitchen, youngsters tried their hand in the kitchen at Littleborough Deli’s Little Chef Cookery School.
Simon France, volunteer event manager at the organisers Littleborough Events and Associations Forum, said: “The festival has gained a reputation for being a good event, and I’m glad it lived up to it today.
“We have managed to offer a greater variety of world foods this year including Polish, Italian, Indian, Thai, German and Caribbean, which is fantastic.
“It’s great to attract visitors to Littleborough and show them the range of independent shops we have and the wonderful surroundings.
“We couldn’t do this without the LEAF volunteers and the support from the staff at Rochdale council has been superb. I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in making this event happen.”
Neela Jackson, owner and The Star Tree Studio, which put on children’s activities and face painting, said: “This year has been the best yet, the largest number of people attending and the weather on our side too!
As a small business based in Littleborough the festival is a fantastic opportunity to reach out and promote to potential new customers whilst contributing to a community event.
The footfall across the village was unprecedented and the fact the festival brings people into Littleborough for the day is brilliant. Once they see what the place has to offer in terms of shops, cafes and things to do they visit again and that all helps Littleborough businesses thrive.”
Andy McKay, of Littleborough Deli who organised the free Children’s Cookery School, said “It was a fantastic turn out, great family atmosphere and the children was attending the cookery School were outstanding”
Calvin Buckley, from Taystee’s cafe, was one of the businesses taking part.
He said: “Taystee would like to thank everybody who supported us and all local businesses at Littleborough food festival. It was our first time as we are in our first year of business. We had a great day and met some wonderful people. We are grateful for being given the opportunity to bring Caribbean flavours to Littleborough.
“The village was vibrant and great to see so many locals who came out to support the event. We had an amazing day.”