Holbeach Food Festival ‘packed out’ as visitors enjoy bush tucker trials, street food from around the world and live music

Mealworms, locusts and crickets were on the menu for adventurous foodies at a packed-out town festival.

Taste buds were tickled at the tenth annual Holbeach Food Festival held at Carter’s Park supported by Holbeach Town Improvement Fund, Holbeach Regeneration CIC and South Holland District Council.

The event introduced food-lovers to dishes from around the world including Bushtucker trials containing locusts, organised by South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone plus a Lincolnshire’s Strongest competition hosted by Royals Gym.

Organiser Neil English said: “I grew up in Holbeach and it is just nice to bring the community together for a really nice family friendly day.

“This is the tenth year of the festival and it seemed like it was the most successful yet.”

“It also showcases Holbeach as well as we draw visitors from the surrounding towns and villages.

Some 70 stall holders and vendors, selling cakes and jams, took part in the popular event that had live music from Holbeach Town Band and singer Helen Verney.

The Bushtucker trials proved popular with visitors who could also enjoy a summer beer garden and try fantastic food.

Mr English said: “The weather was lovely sunshine and it put smiles on people’s faces.

“We had some fantastic food and we attract some fantastic street food.

“Some of the food stalls travelled quite a way to be there.”

The daytime festival catered for all ages including bouncy castles for youngsters and a strong man and woman competition.

There was even a drink station for thirsty pooches who could enjoy a ‘dog ale’.

Mr English said: “The competition is good fun and so popular.

“It always attracts people and the festival is really good for the area.

“It was absolutely fantastic, it was packed and we had a great day and the vendors did extremely well and it couldn't have gone better.”

Claire Hall, partnership manager at South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone said: “It was a brilliant day at the food festival.

“It was surprising how many people not only tucked into the crickets and mealworms in the bush tucker trials but actually liked them.

“It was great to speak with the community about the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and we look forward to welcoming those who are coming to our community open day on the September 14 for a look around the site.”

Organisers are promising that next year’s event aims to be ‘bigger and better.’

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