A festival showcasing local food has been hailed a success after thousands flocked to Axminster town centre.
Gate to Plate saw 7,000 people attended over the course of the day across Silver Street, Church Street and around the Minster, and plans are in place for a return on Monday, May 27 2024
Funded by East Devon District Council and delivered by award-winning organisers, eat:Festivals, the event showcased local businesses and introduced visitors to micro and small food and drink producers from the surrounding area.
Cllr Matt Hall, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for economy, said: “What a fantastic event.
“Thanks to everyone who came along. Axminster was absolutely buzzing with so many visitors all around the town.
“We were delighted to sponsor Axminster’s first ever Gate to Plate event and we hope it is the first of many more.
“This event has put Axminster’s local growers, producers, and makers firmly on the foodie map.
“Stall holders were delighted to meet new and existing customers so late in the season. We can all continue to support local businesses if we buy local because it is good for local firms, protects jobs, and is good for the environment too.”
The Gate to Plate festival was aimed at bringing footfall back to the centre of the east Devon town with over 65 food and drink producers taking part in the event.
This included street food stalls, cakes, bread and pies, farmers’ market favourites, local ales, ciders and wine, charcuterie, plus live music, and entertainment.
Axminster Town Council added: “The Town Council was delighted to see so many visitors in the town for this inaugural Gate to Plate event and we were also grateful for the opportunity to promote the work of the Council as one of the many stallholders present on the day.
“Blessed with wonderful weather, the event showcased everything that we love about the town, and we hope that everyone attending took away something special and will be coming back soon to Axminster in the near future to explore our shops, our cafes and all else that we have to offer.”
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