The award winning Ginger and Spice Festival is making a welcome return this September for a four day celebration of all things ginger & spice related during British Food Fortnight. Set in and around the centre of the medieval Shropshire town, Market Drayton, the festival celebrates the town’s culinary heritage with links to the ancient spice routes and what is thought to be the oldest gingerbread in the country!
The fun packed, four day festival, includes an abundance of speciality food and drink with plenty of produce featuring a ginger twist! Saturday 29th September features the Spice Exchange Street Market where visitors can journey into an exotic and fascinating world of spice, secret recipes, ancient gingerbread guilds and delicious hot & spicy street food at Clive’s Street Food Court. It also happens to be the anniversary of the birthday of Clive of India!
The Spice Exchange Street Market will include everything from ginger teas, spicy pies, enrobed chocolate gingers, spice-infused jams, aromatic gin, local real ale, cured gourmet meats as well as a host of ginger-themed delicacies! Visitors can also watch live cookery master classes from top, regional and local chefs all at the back of the Clive and Coffyne Pub.
Over the four day festival there will be the Leek United Heritage Spice Trail and competition dedicated to
exploring the town’s culinary history, including tastings in shops, cafes, the brewery, Church, Museum, Festival Drayton, Covered market and more. This is free and there will be prizes for lucky winners!
Visitors can also enjoy many festival fringe events such as a Gin and Jazz Evening exploring Gin and Spice; a live music concert with Deacon’s Blue’s lead singer Ricky Ross supported by local singer song writer Heidi Browne and sponsored by Mincher Lockett and Co Opticians; pop-up restaurants; foraging walks; live entertainment; ginger inspired competitions; debates; heritage talks and more.
Whilst the Spice Exchange Street Market is free, visitors should expect to pay for some events taking place in the evening and at private venues in the town. Booking ahead for these private events is essential.
For all festival fringe events, please visit the What’s On section of the website: www.gingerandspicefest.co.uk
The Ginger & Spice Festival official leaflet
