Thousands of foodies visited Lichfield on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August to enjoy the fourth Lichfield Food Festival that featured:

• more than 130 stalls
• top chefs who provided cooking demonstrations at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre
• a local restaurant that offered tasters and meals from along Bird Street
• a brewers festival in the Guildroom of the Guildhall
• a real ale trail
• a pop up demonstration kitchen at Lichfield Cathedral where there was also a charity tea and cake stall
• a street party at Three Spires Shopping Centre
• cookery and equipment demonstrations at The Kitchen Shop
• special offers, a baking competition and cupcake workshops 
• a jazz band and people dressed up in food costumes to entertain the crowds! 

Described by Lichfield Food Festival principal sponsor and organiser, Jon Arrowsmith from Central England Co-operative as “an incredible two days” this year’s festival was the biggest festival yet. 

Sunday saw the live judging of the Bake Off in the Lichfield Garrick's Studio. Julie Crisp from Cakeydora Baking Academy and Chef Simon Smith were on hand to taste the cakes and give their feedback. 

The winner of the adult category, which was set the challenge of baking a strawberries and cream gateau, was Shelly Henden from Bloxwich in Walsall who won dinner at Darwin’s at The George, a Prosecco afternoon tea at McKenzie’s Restaurant, Cakedora vouchers and goodies, and a voucher to spend in The Kitchen Shop. 

Fifteen-year-0ld Zara Azam came top in the junior category, which was set the task of making four Jack and the Beanstalk themed cupcakes. She won a family ticket to see Lichfield Garrick’s family pantomime, as well as Cakedora vouchers and goodies and a Kitchen Shop voucher. Seven-year-old Cj Lloyd came in second, and five-year-old Isla McCaskie scooped third place. 

Lichfield Food Festival is organised in partnership by Central England Co-operative, the Lichfield Garrick, Lichfield District Council, Chef Simon Smith, The Kitchen Shop, Three Spires Shopping Centre, Lichfield Arts, Lichfield Cathedral and Cakeydora. It is sponsored by Central England Co-operative, Taste of Staffordshire and Tippers.