Food Features

The Ludlow Food and Drink Festival Spring Event  runs from Saturday 9 May until Sunday 10 May. It is expected to attract around 6,000 visitors. The festival is held in and around the castle and is packed full of events to suit different tastes.

Since it started in 1995 the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival has grown in reputation and in the number of visitors and exhibitors making the annual pilgrimage. But one thing that has not changed is the ethos of the event, celebrating "the quality and diversity of the superb independent food and drink producers and suppliers that abound in Ludlow and the Marches".

The main Festival held in the Autumn, but this year the organisers decided to put on an extra event.

The Chairman of the Ludlow Food Festival, Phil Maile, said he hoped the Spring event would become a regular feature.

Beer, Bread and Bangers

The main theme of the weekend is beer, bread and bangers with the Small Independent Brewers Association operating the Festival pub in a large marquee featuring beers from small breweries in Wales and the Marches.

On both days of the event there will be demonstrations in the Beacon Room inside the castle garden. On Saturday Rachel Green, who is a champion of British produce, will talk about sausages and master brewer, Alex Barlow will give an insight into his craft.

More than 6,000 are expected

Ludlow baker, Robert Swift will give visitors the opportunity to make their own bread.

On Sunday Andy Smith will demonstrate bread making and there will be a DIY sausage making workshop.

'Kids Cook Art' will be on all weekend with the aim of teaching youngsters to cook and appreciate the art of cooking.

There's plenty of music to go with the food and drink. The James Hunt Trio, Al Boden, Whalebone and the Organic Hill Billys will all be in action over the two days.

The Marches Transport Festival is being held in the Outer Bailey of the Castle with vintage vehicles on show.