Thousands Taste Test Bolsover

Inaugural Bolsover Food and Drink Festival is a Big Hit

Food lovers descended on Bolsover at the weekend, where fabulous food and drink came with a side order of fun in the sun.

Real ale fans were treated to master classes by world-renowned beer guru Roger Protz, who officially uncorked a new Bolsover tipple created by the local RAW Brewery.

The crowds were served cold beer by the recently crowned Miss England Intercontinental, Laura Gregory, and the hot sun did not deter visitors from enjoying cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli.

Zilli’s menu of Sicilian sardine spaghetti, grilled watermelon salad and poached pears were the perfect accompaniment to a summer’s afternoon of tasty entertainment.

“It’s a great town – I’ve had a great time and I hope to see everyone back in Bolsover next year!” said Zilli.

Roger Protz commented: “It’s been a lovely event and I’ve received a warm welcome from the local people.  This region is packed full of great breweries and RAW have done a great job with their Jewel on the Hill.  Golden pale ales like this are perfect for drinking on a hot summer’s day.”

Food stalls brimming with sumptuous produce attracted thousands of visitors of all ages, in the inaugural festival, which is hoped will become an annual event.

“We’re absolutely delighted with how the weekend has gone,” said Andrew Tristram, Bolsover Town Clerk.

“People have travelled from all over the region to attend, and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves, thanks to the hard work of the event team, a fantastic variety of award-winning food and drink producers and the excellent workshops hosted by Aldo and Roger.”

“This is our first Bolsover Food and Drink Festival, but we hope it will be the first of many.”

For more information about the event and about Bolsover, visit *www.discoverbolsover.co.uk , email info@discoverbolsover.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @alloverbolsover or like our Discover Bolsover facebook page.

The event is part of the Discover Bolsover project, which has been developed following a successful bid for European Regional Development funding by Bolsover District Council.

-Ends-