Tag Archives: festivals

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Council steps in to save popular summer food festival

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An under-threat but popular summer food and drink festival held just down the road from Sutton Coldfield has been saved by the local council.

Lichfield District Council has stepped in to save the city’s Summer Food Festival – to be held from August 23 to 25.

The authority acted after the event had been thrown into jeopardy when the council barred the previous organisers from running it this year.

Any trader that had already booked and paid for a pitch at the Lichfield Summer Food Festival via the previous event organiser, will be offered a free pitch. The Council will also be reaching out to retailers in the City Centre to talk to them about how they can be part of the Food Festival.

With only a few weeks for the council to organise the Food Festival, traders are urged to work with the local authority. Whilst the council say it won’t be exactly the same as previous Food Festivals, it is committed to organising a vibrant and enjoyable event.

Cllr Doug Pullen, Leader of the Council, said: “The Lichfield Summer Food Festival is really important to our residents, businesses and visitors. It brings thousands of people into the city and provides an opportunity to showcase Lichfield as a visitor destination.

“So I’m really pleased that the Council is able to step in to ensure that this year’s Summer Food Festival goes ahead.

“We want to do all we can to support those traders who we know have already made significant financial outlays in preparation for the Lichfield Summer Food Festival. So any trader that has booked and paid for a pitch, and can share evidence of doing so, will be offered a free pitch.”

Traders should get in touch at events@lichfielddc.gov.uk. Further details on the Food Festival will be released in the coming weeks.

News

Festival of fun at Sutton Coldfield care home

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A care home in Sutton Coldfield has joined forces with local primary school children to celebrate Harvest Festival.

Residents at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, were joined by Little Sutton Primary School children for an a-maize-ing afternoon as they celebrated the annual festival.  

Everyone enjoyed an afternoon learning about the origins of the festival, what it means for today’s society, and why this long-standing tradition should not be forgotten. The youngsters and residents also spent time together reading Harvest Festival themed poetry.

As part of the celebrations, the home hosted a harvest themed craft fair for residents and the community. Local community members sold chicken eggs, cakes and candles.

Each year, Harvest Festival celebrates the time when crops have been gathered from fields and people can reflect and show gratitude for the food that they have. It dates back to when people relied on local crops for food and famers would give thanks for a good harvest.

Commenting on the afternoon’s celebrations, resident Sheila, 94, said: “I used to love the Harvest Festival at Sunday school – we used to go to church, and we would all bring some food in. It was a very good idea and it’s important to show our gratitude to farmers.”

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Little Sutton Primary School children to Mercia Grange to celebrate the annual Harvest Festival tradition and explore its importance today.

“Harvest Festival is a day in the calendar where we can reflect and show gratitude for the food that we have, while serving as an opportunity to connect with others, regardless of age or background.  

“Everyone had an a-maize-ing day and we’re already looking forward to our next event with Little Sutton Primary School children as we race towards Christmas!”

To find out more about Care UK’s Harvest Festival, please visit: careuk.com/harvest-festival