Record crowds at Street Feastival
Record crowds ignored a light drizzle to enjoy the St Albans Food and Drink Festival’s six-hour long street party.
More than 15,000 people packed the City Centre for the Street Feastival – one of the highlights of the annual ten-day event.
They browsed more than 75 stalls showcasing an astonishing variety of food and drink products, many from local suppliers.
Among the other many attractions at the family event were a cookery theatre, a farm provided by Oaklands College and a pop-up restaurant.
There was also live music, children’s workshops, a display of butchery skills, a cocktail and real ale bar on a village green and a champagne bus.
The Feastival, held on Sunday 1 October, drew a crowd of an estimated 10,000 people at its peak.
In total, over 15,000 attended despite the grey skies – a significant increase on last year’s previously highest figure of 12,000.
The Food and Drink Festival celebrates its tenth birthday this year and runs until Saturday 7 October.
It is organised by St Albans City and District Council with the help of a steering group.
Councillor Beric Read, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community, was at the Feastival.
He said: “The street party gets better and better every year and I am thrilled that we achieved record crowds despite the occasional spot of rain.
“I was delighted to see so many thousands of people enjoying themselves and learning about the District’s booming food and drink industry which does so much for our local economy.
“It was fun day for people of all ages and a great way for the District’s many food and drink businesses to showcase their products and interact with customers in a relaxed atmosphere.
“There’s more to come including a new Gin and Jazz evening in George Street on Friday which I am really looking forward to.”
Other Festival highlights include:
- Gin & Jazz – George Street will be covered in grass on the night of Friday 6 October for food and drink tastings, live music and street performances. This is also an opportunity to explore the streets boutiques, bars and restaurants.
- Sustainable Saturday – a new event that will bring the Festival to a close on Saturday 7 October. You can learn about how to grow your own food and what impact the food industry has on the environment.
A list of all the remaining events, including ticket prices and booking information, can be found on www.enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink.
Pictures: Scenes from the Street Feastival by Stephanie Belton.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community for St Albans City and District Council.
Tel: 07956 220264. Email: Cllr.B.Read@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council
Tel: 01727 296130
E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk