Food and Drink Festival will be back

Riverside Food and Drink Festival was hailed a ‘huge success’ after attracting more than 8,000 visitors from across Yorkshire and beyond and raise over £2,500 for Leeds Mind.

Organiser Michael Johnston, 30, was on site with his family over the weekend to welcome visitors including townspeople who walked up to the site.

He said: “We’re very grateful for the support we have received for this new event, from both exhibitors and attendees.”

“It’s always a gamble putting on an outdoor event in the UK, but we were very fortunate with the weather with this one.”

“We are delighted with the response from the attendees.”

Top chefs featured in the Live Cookery Theatre, including Connor Corrigan of Harewood Food & Drink Project, Norman Musa of Kuala Lumpur Café and Loc Bui of Loc’s Taste of Vietnam.

A Street Food Arena offered dishes from around the globe including Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Mexican, Malaysian & Chinese.

An Artisan Street Market was buzzing with producers selling everything from cakes, cookies, brownies and sweets to cheese, olives, pizzas, spirits and speciality coffees.

A family entertainment marquee featured a variety circus acts including a magician, juggler and escapologist. Roving entertainers including comedy chefs on stilts raised a smile.

The festival was brought to The Ings by the Johnston family and friends who have grown up and live locally to Wetherby.

Michael added: “There was a warm, buzzing atmosphere throughout the festival and many happy faced attendees.

“We even had a handful of Leeds United star players down here enjoying the atmosphere.

“We thank everyone for making the weekend a such big success and look forward to returning to Wetherby next year.”

The Riverside Food & Drink Festival is set to return to Wetherby next year.