The first-ever Exmouth Gate to Plate festival has been hailed a success after 8,000 visitors flocked to The Strand to celebrate local food and drink producers.
Sunday’s food festival (April 28), funded by East Devon District Council, showcased some of the best food and drink, plus crafts, produced or grown locally,
The free open-air event attracted thousands of visitors to sample a host of different tastes and flavours.
Robert Murray, EDDC economic development manager, said the district council was ‘dedicated’ to championing East Devon town centre businesses, and quality local food and drink producers.
He said: “We take great pride in sponsoring inaugural Gate to Plate events, having initiated Honiton Gate to Plate in 2018.
“These events encourage support for our local businesses through increased visitor numbers, help residents to experience the unique offer from local producers and growers, and promote the purchase of local food and drink with much lower food miles.
“We are delighted to support this vital and cherished sector of our economy.”
Sarah Milner Simonds, from Eat:Festivals, who organised the event, said: “We pride ourselves on bringing a diverse footfall into town centres, creating busy trading opportunities and providing a high quality, free day out.
“We hope to establish this festival as an annual, and maybe twice a year event in the civic calendar.
“The Strand is a brilliant, accessible space to use and we felt it lent itself perfectly to a showcase of local food and drink in the town centre.”
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