Southport Food and Drink Festival set for spectacular return this May

The Southport Food and Drink Festival will return to Victoria Park for three days of tasty treats and activities.

Southport Food and Drink Festival will welcome 30,000 visitors to Victoria Park with 130 traders, producers and exhibitors from May 31 to June 2. 

Today, Visit Southport reveal every confirmed trader at this year’s event giving you a mouth-watering heads up of what you can expect at the hugely popular event.

Visitors can expect foods from around the world – from Asia to the Caribbean, and Latino to UK favourites with dishes as diverse as pad thai, pizza, venison burgers or even a giant Yorkshire pudding wrap.

Sweet treats on offer include brownies, gourmet marshmallows, and Turkish Delight.

Nanny Pearl’s Caribbean Street Food business, which originates from Nanny Pearl who moved to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, will also be there.

Nanny’s grandson, Josh Murphy, said: “We offer Caribbean food Using recipes from my Nanny Pearl who came from St Vincent and the Grenadines as part of the Windrush Generation.  

“I have added a little twist on some of the recipes, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. Our Jerk Chicken is always popular as is the Curry Goat and our different flavour wings.”

If it is locally produced food you want to try, then the Southport Food and Drink Festival has plenty on offer ranging from brownies, traybakes and sponges to puddings and pies.

There are 16 bars at the festival all offering different beverages including The Black Dog Wine which is putting on New Zealand and South African wines, and New Zealand gin and prosecco. 

Katie and David Paddle, from the Black Dog Wine Agency, said: “It’s not just the public who attend that are wonderful but also the other traders and the organisers that create a lovely vibe to the whole festival. 

“We’ve attended for well over 10 years now and have made many friends over the years and also connected with other traders, such as Birkdale Cheese who we now supply. We look forward to meeting everyone each year and hope to be coming for many more years to come.”

Boston Shakers will have a range of cocktails and mocktails while Elite Bars will have ale from right here in Southport, as well as a Southport brewery cider. Mainstream spirits, Pimms and soft drinks will also be available.

Gangplank, a narrowboat-based bar will also be at this year’s festival, serving a range of drinks, including whisky, rum and vodka.

Mo Patel, co-owner, said: “This will be the first time we showcase our range of award-winning flavoured spirits via a pop-up bar, including gin, whisky, rum, and vodka, all made with organic and locally sourced produce. 

“We applied for this festival due to its reputation for attracting like-minded individuals who like us, value quality. We are keen to meet new people, share information about what we do and witness their delightful reactions after tasting our amazing spirits.”

Community-based groups will also be at the festival. Hear from Sefton Community Learning Service, Charity Link and the West Lancashire Freemasons.

There will also be plenty of coffee houses to pick up a satisfying latte, cappuccino, cup of tea, or hot chocolate.

Live bands and singer-songwriters will keep visitors entertained throughout the festival, with the lineup including everything from soul and swing to jazz and pop. There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained, with activities including inflatables, face painting and crafts.

The festival is on daily 10am to 6pm and is free to enter. To keep up to date with the latest information, follow @SouthportFoodandDrinkFestival on Facebook, visit www.visitsouthport.com or @visitsouthport on Twitter.

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