Beccles Food and Drink Festival postponed till 2021
It is with great regret that the organising team have decided to postpone Beccles Food and Drink Festival 2020.
Planning was in the advanced stages, we had the first draft of our 32 page programme, and we were excited about the increased number and variety of stalls, new venues, new Fringe events and a fresh and diverse cookery theatre line-up.
However, the health and safety of all of our helpers, stall holders and visitors must always be our top priority, and with the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK expected around the date of the Festival, we believe postponement is the right decision. Early postponement allows all involved to plan accordingly, minimises business disruption and ensures we do not incur unrecoverable costs that would jeopardise the running of future Festivals.
In order to support those businesses who have booked and paid for stalls, adverts and Fringe events, full refunds will be made as soon as possible.
We would like to thank those organisations who had agreed to assist with our Festival this year, and without whose support we could not run the event: Beccles Lions, Helping Hands, Bungay Area Community Transport, Beccles Business and Tourism Association, St Michael’s Church, Hungate Church and Hall, the Waveney Centre, East Coast College, Beccles Town Council, Beccles Farmers Market, Andrew Elvin Removals, and of course the businesses in Beccles and the wider area who have stalls, host Fringe events, take programme adverts, and donate competition prizes.
We hope you understand the reasons we have taken this difficult decision, and we look forward to coming back bigger and better in 2021.
Best Wishes
Beccles Food Festival Organising Team
BECCLES FOOD & DRINK VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
The organising team have decided that we are not going to be beaten by Covid-19, and the Beccles Food and Drink Festival 2020 will go ahead after all………..at least, in a virtual sense! We owe that to our stall holders, Fringe hosts, advertisers and visitors.
Every day, from now until life returns to some form of normality, or until we run out of items, we will post elements of this year’s Festival on our Facebook page. These could be details of online ordering from our stall holders, messages, videos, menus and cookery demos, music, and photos from past Festivals.
Please go to and follow the page to get the daily updates:
https://www.facebook.com/becclesfoodanddrinkfestival/
Below are a selection of the stalls, activities and events that would have been part of the festival but we are now bringing to you in the virtual world!
Stall 59 (New Market) – The Tea Lady
The Tea Lady’s jams, preserves and chutneys were set to make an appearance at the 2020 Festival, but you can still buy online for your picnics, BBQs and afternoon teas, or at a number of Norfolk stockists. See www.thetealadyuk.com
“Tealady preserves and pickles are handmade in Norfolk, where sweeping fields, unspoilt beaches and dramatic sunsets in huge open skies are the norm. And it is the natural rhythms of this glorious setting that inspire the ethos of TheTealady – buying and gathering fruit and vegetables in season to make simple, tasty products that are full of robust countryside flavours. Using traditional methods, we hand-cut and hand-stir every batch to reflect a truly homemade product for you to enjoy.
Our delicious handmade jams, jellies, marmalades and chutneys are, primarily made from locally sourced ingredients, in small batches in the heart of Breckland, creating a unique range of products which we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Of course, we sometimes need ingredients from further afield e.g. citrus and cranberries, we always buy from trusted local businesses so we are able to ensure we’re using the freshest quality ingredients.”
Stall 25 (New Market) – Cakes to Celebrate
Have a children’s (or adult’s) birthday to celebrate in lockdown?
“Cakes To Celebrate is part of St Margarets Catering and is based in Ilketshall St. Margaret near Halesworth, Suffolk. Established since 1992, we are experienced in outside catering and specialise in a wide range of celebration cakes.
www.cakes-to-celebrate.co.uk
For more information or a quote for your event, please contact Pam on 01986 781382 or at cakestocelebrate@hotmail.co.uk”
Stall 30 (New Market) – Likety Ice
With the coming weekend’s weather forecast showing a return to summer, why not cool down with an ice lolly with a difference!
“You can currently find us at The Box and Beaches & Cream in Southwold, Scoops Ice cream van in Walberswick, Barbrook Store in Reydon and The Queens Head in Blyford. We are working hard to get back into production and take on more local stockists soon so please get in touch for wholesale enquiries. You can also order lollies direct to collect from our unit in Lowestoft or we can offer local delivery on Monday mornings so please get in touch via hello@licketyice.co.uk
www.liketyice.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.”
Stall 70 (New Market) – G&D3 Catering
Suffolk based G&D3 Catering were set to attend this year’s Festival, catering for those with gluten and dairy allergies.
“We are a Suffolk-based catering company specialising in gluten and diary free foods that you will enjoy eating. We also cater for other allergens and preferences like vegetarian and vegan. Unfortunately due to the products we use, we are unable to cater for anyone with a nut or seed allergy. We provide catering for weddings, corporate events, funeral teas, light lunches, parties and canapés
We like to get to know our clients and if possible arrange a meeting to discuss your needs so we can produce a menu specifically for you.
We also have set menus if you prefer to choose from one of them.”
https://www.gandd3catering.co.uk/
Stall 22 (Sheepgate) – Norton’s Dairy
From Church Farm, Frettenham, Norton’s Dairy were due to bring their soft cheese, butter, milk, cream and natural yogurt to the Festival.
You can find a list of stockists, along with recipes and other information, at http://www.nortonsdairy.co.uk
Stall 46 (New Market) – Pepperell’s Meats
Booked to be one of 10 hot food outlets at the 2020 Festival, Pepperell’s Meats are based just off the A143 on the outskirts of Harleston, from where they sell online and for collection/delivery.
Stall 80 (St. Michael’s Church) – The Oil Tree Company
The Oil Tree Company from Holt were due to make their first appearance at the Festival, bringing their Greek olives, olive oil, tapenade, honey, balsamic vinegar and body oils. For more details, see www.theoiltree.co.uk and you can email them at theoiltreeco@gmail.com to find out where they are stocked.
“We’re Jerry, Lexi and Natassa and 4 years ago we embarked on our journey to bring the best quality authentic Greek olive oil to the UK from our farm located in the coastal town of Methoni in the south western Peleponesse region of Greece.”
Stall 67 (New Market) – Riverford Organic Farmers
Riverford Organic Farmers deliver to the Beccles area, and offer a range of seasonal, fruit, vegetable, vegan, meat, and recipe boxes to suit all tastes. You can order at www.riverford.co.uk
Stall 76 (St. Michael’s Churchyard) – The Fresh Sauce Company
The Fresh Sauce Company produce a range of ready to use sauces, and this month their specials consist of Tikka Masala, Harissa, Moroccan Hummus and Rendang.
“We are passionate home cooks who make sauces, full of fresh flavour, using only great ingredients and carefully prepared in small batches in our sauce kitchen.”
To see a full range of their offers and products, go to www.thefreshsauce.co
Stall 81 (St. Michael’s Church) – The Norfolk Truffle Company
The weather may be scorching, but it’s never to hot to enjoy some chocolate! The Norfolk Truffle Company sell their dark, milk, white, non-alcoholic and alcoholic truffles locally at Beccles Farmers Market and The Little Green Wholefood Shop in Earsham Street, Bungay.
“At the Norfolk Truffle Company we are dedicated to producing luxurious, high-quality hand made truffles. We use finest Belgian chocolate, blended with other carefully selected ingredients, to create a delicious balance of flavours to tempt and delight.”
www.norfolktruffles.co.uk
Stall 65 (New Market) – The Suffolk Distillery
The Suffolk Distillery was due to attend this year’s event with their gin, rum and vodka. You can obtain their products online from www.suffolkdistillery.co.uk
Stall 10 (Hungate Church) – Blackbird Cottage Fine Foods
Blackbird Cottage Fine Foods produce a range of pates, terrines, Rilletes and parfaits.
“We have recently launched a vegetarian pate using a mix of Shiitake, Porcini, granulatus and oyster mushrooms, blended to perfection with the addition of our favourite magic ingredient – Italian Black Truffle Oil. The result is a sumptuously creamy pâté bursting with the exotic taste of wild mushrooms enhanced by the luxurious flavour of truffles.
If you would like to order from us we are still dispatching goods from our kitchen at Blackbird Cottage. www.blackbirdcottagefoods.com
Stall 14 (Sheepgate) – Scarlett and Mustard
Scarlett and Mustard from lovely Framlingham were due to make a welcome return to the Festival with their range of dressings, curds, chutneys, jams, marmalades, salsas and sauces.
You can order their products online and find recipes at www.scarlettandmustard.co.uk
Stall 86 (St. Michael’s Church) – Suffolk Smokehouse
“Suffolk Smokehouse & Deli is a family run business based in Kelsale cum Carlton, near the beautiful Suffolk coast. We were established in 2007 and since then, our list of products has dramatically increased. We originally just sold our smoked cheeses and smoked fish pates at farmers markets; but we were soon picked up by The East of England Co-operative Society. Thanks to their support we have grown and grown. We now also do a range of oak smoked and chili-smoked olives; some traditional pates, but also some more unusual vegetarian ones using ‘superfood’ ingredients.
We also have a range of smoked & non-smoked condiments using fabulous Pink Himalayan Salt, which we also use to season all our delicious pates.”
To find out local stockists, see https://www.suffolksmokehouse.net/how-to-order-stockists
Stall 21 (Sheepgate) Nelson & Norfolk Tea Co.
What better way to spend lockdown than with an afternoon cuppa in the garden? Nelson & Norfolk Tea Company are selling online, and offer a range of traditional, fruit, green and white teas, as well as coffee. There are links between Beccles and Admiral Nelson – his parents were married in St. Michael’s Church, and his father was rector at nearby Barsham, while descendants of his mother still live in the town.
“Nelson & Norfolk Tea was established by Mark Richmond, who moved to Norfolk after being inspired by many early memories of happy family holidays, the beautiful coastline and those big East Anglian skies. Since 2012, the relaxed and laid back lifestyle that Norfolk living brings made him choose Norfolk as his home. Norfolk also happens to be the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Nelson: he learned to sail on The Broads and was a pupil at Paston Grammar School in North Walsham, where the Company is based. So, the Nelson & Norfolk Tea Company was born, bringing together this great County and national hero to epitomise the best tea to be found anywhere.”
Stall 5 (Hungate Church) – Carol’s Cakes and Bakes
Carol’s Cakes and Bakes is still operating in lockdown on an “order only’ basis. Examples of products are on Carol’s facebook page.
“Custom cakes and bakes for all occasions. Hosting a dinner party? Your mom celebrating her 50th birthday? Just craving something sweet for the weekend? Let us know what you want and when and we’ll have it ready for you!”
Stall 7 (Hungate Church) – Tindall Ales Brewery
Another new producer to this year’s Festival was traditional ale brewer Tindall Ales, from nearby Seething. You can still buy their beer. Check them out on Facebook.
“Fresh Extra and Summer Loving available this weekend for your takeaway refills just £3.40/L bring your own vessel and we’ll fill it up for you! – also our stall is fully stocked up.”
Stall 82 (St. Michael’s Church) – Marsh Pig
The home of award winning, hand made British Charcuterie.
Try our – Salami, Chorizo, Lomo, Bresaola, Coppa & Jerky.
Always free range – we believe in the highest welfare standard of British Livestock, we only ever use Free Range Pork and Rare Breed and Rare Breed cross British Beef.
Lower fat – at Marsh Pig we only add 15%, so you are not left with a greasy after taste.
High Quality Cuts – cured from only the most exquisite cuts of Free Range British Pork and British Beef, we know you will not be disappointed.
FREE DELIVERY for orders over £20 (for a limited time)
www.marshpig.co.uk
Stall 58 (New Market) – Cocoa May
What better way to cheer yourself up than with a sweet treat in the form of cake!
Hand made in Suffolk, Cocoa May’s delicious brownies are available to order online, at www.cocoamay.com
Stall 13 (Sheepgate) – DJ Wines
DJ Wines were due to make a welcome return to the Festival with their unusual fruit based wines, liqueurs and mead.
They sell their range online, and a few products locally at East of England Co-Op stores, including Swines Green in Beccles.
“The DJ Wines winery is situated in a peaceful and idyllic part of Monk Soham in mid Suffolk, roughly mid way between the attractive market towns of Framlingham and Debenham. It’s a beautiful location, full of local history.
The winery entrance overlooks the Grade 1 historic village church of St Peters and is close to the site of the old medieval monastery, established as far back as the 10th century by Alfric, Bishop of East Anglia. In 1958 the Suffolk Parish History described Monk Soham as ‘a small dispersed settlement’.”
www.dj-wines.co.uk
Stall 6 (Hungate Church) – Harrison Chocolatiers
Harrison Chocolatiers from North Norfolk were due to make a return visit to the Festival this year, and are still selling their products online.
“We are a Norfolk based chocolatier company, with a real passion for everything chocolate. We source are core ingredients in small batches from one of Belgium’s oldest cocoa roasters, then use our expertise to create the finest handmade chocolate and other chocolate delights. We finish and enhance our products by trying to use local products-where possible, to create items at 100% Fair-trade beans, grown on sustainable plantations in West Africa.
Our products are heaven for chocolate lovers . But more importantly ‘handmade’ means just that; why not have something totally tailored for you? Our dedicated team is willing to work after hours, to help you find the products you desire- as well as serving
you with the best tasting products around for a unique tasting experience.”
https://www.harrisonchocolatiers.co.uk/
Beccles Farmers Market (Fringe host)
As well as providing essential support to the Festival by manning the Information Point in Sheepgate, the organisers of Beccles Farmers Market would have today hosted one of 12 events over the fortnight of the Fringe.
They are still operating a limited market at the old heliport site at Ellough on the first and third Saturdays in the month.
Stall 15 (Sheepgate) East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
Our third invited charity stall for the 2020 Festival was East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Like most charities, without the fundraising from events and their shops, the lockdown has caused a funding drought.
“What we are all facing is unprecedented. We know this is a very challenging and uncertain time for everyone, and for EACH the financial impact is overwhelming.
We are experiencing a devastating drop in income as our shops are closed and the vast majority of our supporters’ fundraising activities and our own events are cancelled or postponed. In the next 12 weeks alone, our loss of income is expected to be around £1,800,000.
We have had no choice but to suspend our planned care activities; including short breaks, wellbeing therapies, groups and events, face-to-face counselling and our Help at Home volunteering service.
Our focus is on providing end-of-life care and bereavement support and the impact is already being felt by our families.
Together we can make sure that vital care and support is still available for the children, young people and their families who need us, during and beyond this challenging and uncertain time. Unlike hospitals, we rely on the generosity of people like you to fund our services.
You can support us now by donating on this JustGiving page and sharing it with friends and families.
You could also organise a virtual event or complete a virtual challenge. Please visit www.each.org.uk/get-involved for further ideas. Our fundraising teams are still working hard from home and would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your support and stay safe.”
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/each-covid19
Stall 8 (Hungate Church) – Simon’s Table
Simon’s Table were another one of our new stall holders for 2020. Here’s some information about their products and how to order them.
“The 2020 Festival would have been the first year for Simon’s Table and we were very much looking forward to it having heard so many excellent reports from previous years.
Simon’s Table offer 3 products: Simon’s Rich, Dark & Tangy Marmalade which was awarded a Great Taste 2 Star Award in the 2019 Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards, Simon’s Marmalade Gin Liqueur and Simon’s Melt-in-the-Mouth Shortbread.
We were granted a Premises Licence on 9th April so are now able to sell our products on line. More information about our products and a full list of stockists can be found on our website www.simonstable.co.uk”
Stall 89 (St. Michael’s Church) – Adnams
Local brewery, pub and restaurant owner Adnams from lovely Southwold was due to bring it’s great products to the Festival, setting up in an enlarged area for stalls within the beautiful and iconic parish church of St. Michael’s. One of their more recent products is delicious Wild Wave English Cider, which you can still order, along with many other drinks, including their new Limited Edition release, Orange and Sea Buckthorn Gin, from adnams.co.uk
Stall 51/52 (New Market) – Hay Hay
Orford based Hay Hay were due to make a return visit with their unique Eastern Mediterranean inspired food, cooked in a wood fired oven and using homegrown and locally sourced ingredients from in and around East Anglia. We hope to see them back on 29th May 2021!
Stall 23 (Sheepgate) – The Penny Bun Bakehouse
Local bakery The Penny Bun Bakehouse have been bringing their tasty bread, savouries and sweet bakes to the Festival for several years, and we were looking forward to welcoming them back this year. See their Facebook page for further details.
“Huge thanks for your continued support on Saturdays, we’re open again this week with all your bread essentials and some new sweet treats – pain aux raisin and blueberry, almond & cream cheese bostock.
Please PRE-ORDER by 4pm Thursday latest either by phone or text on 07577 921279 including the name you will be collecting under. No orders by email or social media please.”
Cookery Theatre, Hungate Hall
For the first time, we were due to have our Cookery Theatre in Hungate Hall, which would have offered additional seating and allowed us to have a few more stalls in the adjacent Hungate Church. Our line-up promised to bring some new chefs, and our blind public tasting to find Beccles’ Best Scone from a number of cafe’s in the town was sure to prove popular.
Last year, our headline chef was Mark Dixon from the King’s Arms in Fleggburgh, which is sadly currently closed, but planning to re-open when possible
Festival Music
One of our most popular music groups, who always attract a crowd at the Festival. Brian Lever and his Rumpus Ukelele group from Beccles give a nod to George Formby, but with a modern twist.
Stall 46 (New Market) Help for Heroes Charity / VE75 Anniversary
David Brown, a local baker, has done a fantastic job in raising over £100,000 for wounded veterans’ charity Help for Heroes, and usually does very well at our Festival.
With thoughts turning to the VE75 Anniversary celebrations today during lockdown, charities are struggling with the lack of fund raising, so if you have a favourite charity (or charities) and can afford to do so, please give them your support to help them continue their great work.
Stall 63 (New Market) – Balkan Pottery
“Balkan Pottery were due to be exhibiting for their second year this May and it was one of our favourite Festivals last year.
Although we are not out and about at the Food Festivals this year our on-line shop is open at www.balkanpottery.com.
Our cooking items are unique so while we are cooking more at home at the moment have a look at the One Pot Chicken Cooker – a dish for roasting chickens upright over a funnel of beer with vegetables underneath. Our latest creation was a Jerk Chicken with Jamaican rice and peas pictures of which are on our Facebook page – Balkan Pottery
Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of CB87 and on any orders over £100. Please email to arrange this quoting Beccles F&D
We are adding recipes and pictures regularly onto our Facebook page so please like and follow for more ideas.”
Felicity Mclachlan
Stall 29 (New Market) – The Tiny Tipple Company
The Tiny Tipple Company were due to attend again this year with a selection of their infused spirits.
“We are offering £4.00 off per order to celebrate VE day and our 4th Anniversary. Offer is valid until 31st May. To claim offer just enter code ‘Anniversary’ at check out on our online shop” www.thetinytipplecompany.co.uk
Stall 31 (New Market) – Siam Rice Box
Siam Rice Box was one of three new hot food stalls for this year’s Festival, offering their lovely Thai dishes. They are still operating on a delivery basis only. You can find them on Facebook, along with their menu, map, delivery days and times.
Stall 84 (St. Michael’s Church) – Ampersand Brew Co.
Ampersand Brew Co. were to have been one of several local craft beer producers to grace the Festival. Here’s a bit about them:
“We are a small brewery based in South Norfolk, brewing seasonal beers that best showcase the ingredients and our skill as a modern progressive brewery.
Started by a family team of Amy, Andy and Adrian Hipwell and occupying a converted barn on the family farm, our bespoke brewery kit is set up to produce high quality, small batch beer. Our philosophy is simple – produce the beer we want to drink to the highest standard possible. By doing this, we hope the beer speaks for itself and that you will enjoy it as much as we do.”
Following clarification from the Government we are re-opening the online shop for local non contact deliveries (Tues & Fri) and 48hr UK deliveries. The brewery will remain shut for the foreseeable future. Stay home and stay safe!
www.ampersandbrew.co
Stalls 49 & 50 (New Market) – Oakfired (Wood Fired Pizza Van)
Oakfired were due to launch their Citroen Pizza Van at this year’s Festival, but we’re happy to report that they are re-opening TONIGHT for their authentic Neapolitan wood fired pizzas.
See their website for the menu – oakfired.co.uk
Stall 45 (New Market) – Truly Traceable Venison and Game
Truly Traceable have brought their tasty venison and game products to previous Festivals, and were due to attend again this year. Their products are still available in some farm shops in the area, and they offer a collection service from their base near Halesworth. You can find out about their and stockists at https://www.trulytraceable.com
Stall 28 (New Market) – Yare Valley Oils
We are still operating as normal here at Yare Valley Oils, shipping online orders direct as well as supplying all of the wonderful independent businesses that remain open. As well as this, we are running a delivery service within 5 miles of our Farm Shop, for those who are vulnerable and self-isolating, including areas such as Surlingham, Poringland, Yelverton, Bramerton, Claxton, Langley, Loddon, Chedgrave, Rockland St Mary, Kirby Bedon, Alpington, Brooke. We have lots of fresh fruit and veg, milk, eggs, cheese, our farm-reared beef, pantry essentials (e.g. tinned tomatoes, flour, pasta), frozen fish, frozen meats and ready meals, as well as lots of tasty treats like chocolate, cake and biscuits. For more information and to view our order list which we update regularly, customers can follow this link: https://www.yarevalley.com/farm-shop-delivery-service/ or feel free to give us a call on 01508 538206.
Stall 3 (Hungate Church) – Hilton Macarons
Hilton Macarons were to have been another one of our new stalls for the 2020 Festival, debuting in our first use of Hungate Church as a venue for stalls. You can find their gluten free and vegetarian macarons at www.hiltonmacarons.co.uk
Stall 77 (St Michael’s Churchyard) – Maisebrooke Farm Shop
David and Jo Lay have been great supporters of the Festival, and are still open for business, selling their rare breed meat and a wide range of other essential food and drink products.
Check out their latest opening hours and range on their Facebook page Maisebrooke Farm Shop
Graze @ the White Horse (Fringe host)
Kevin and David from Graze at the White Horse have been very supportive of our Festival, and were due to host 3 Thai themed nights as part of our Fringe in the week leading up to our main event on 23rd May. The good news is that they are re-starting the take-away menu that they ran briefly before the lockdown fully kicked in, and are starting this at the end of the week!
Stall 55 (New Market) – Winbirri Vineyard
Another one of our great local wine makers, Winbirri Vineyard, from Surlingham, is still selling it’s award winning wines through the lockdown.
COVID-19 UPDATE, WE HAVE REMOVED SHIPPING COSTS ON OUR FULL CASES OF WINES AND WE HAVE EXTENDED THE EXPIRY DATE SO ALL NEW VOUCHERS WILL NOW COVER UP TO THE END OF 2021 SEASON.
WINNER OF PLATINUM DECANTER AWARD BEST IN SHOW 2017 “BEST SINGLE VARIETAL WHITE WINE IN THE WORLD”
winbirri.com
Stall 64 (New Market) – Sandringham Apple Juice
Sandringham Apple Juice was to have been one of sixteen stalls new to this year’s Festival.
What better way to celebrate St George’s Day with some Royal juice from apples grown on the Sandringham estate, and served there as well as in Holyrood and Buckingham Palaces.
Their latest offers can be found at sandringhamapplejuice.co.uk
Stall 66 (New Market) – Yum Yum Tree Fudge Company
We have plenty more stalls to list in our Virtual Festival, but we thought you would like to see a short video on how artisan fudge is made by one of our most pro-active participants.
“Dear Show organiser – with shows cancelled, we need to boost on-line sales to help us through this difficult period.
Therefore we are shooting some short videos that help us all keep in contact with our show customers. Lily and I would be so grateful if you could share this content with them!
YouTube link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq07sM3jMvI
I hope you enjoy it too, especially the bloopers at the end! This was shot, edited and directed by my 17 year old daughter, Olivia, which took her 2 days.
We will be doing many more over the next few months, as we feel it is important to give people good content and keep the show scene alive.”
Stall 54 (New Market) – St. Giles Gin (NEW)
Due to make their debut appearance at this year’s Festival, Norwich based St. Giles Gin have created a range of “Self Isolation” packs of two bottles of selected gins, plus eight assorted bottles of tonic, with free postage and packing, for £75.
Stall 48 (New Market) – Flint Vineyard
Ben and Hannah have been bringing their lovely wines from nearby Earsham to our Festival since 2017.
They are offering free delivery locally and nationwide for all orders over £25, including a new product, the Comfort Case, a mixed case of their best selling wines. Check out their website and Facebook for details of their drive through collection service, where artisan food such as Baron Bigod cheese, Marsh Pig salami and bread from Hempnall Village Bakery are also available.
flintvineyard.com
Festival Photographers 2015-2019
We have been very fortunate to have a great set of images from past Festivals, thanks to the professional services of three Beccles based photographers – Dominic’s Photography, Charlotte James Photography and Andrew Florides Photography.
Stall 28 (New Market) – Chet and Waveney Valley Vineyard
Chet and Waveney Valley Vineyard, as well as a 2020 stall holder, were also due to host a Fringe event at their lovely vineyard at Bergh Apton. Here’s what they have been doing instead to keep trading and to help a couple of very worthy causes………
“I’m attaching our latest news letter to subscribe. This has details of
1) what we’ve been up to,
2) our free deliveries on 6 bottles of wine or more nationwide or smaller deliveries within 60 miles of our winery.
3) our current offer of a mixed case with sparkling and still Rosé wines and a free tour and tasting voucher.
https://www.chetvineyard.co.uk/…/mixed-case-of-redwing-and-…
4) our current offer to raise funds for charity, both Hospitality Action, and EACH.
https://www.chetvineyard.co.uk/…/donate-to-charity-by-buyin…
5) our plans for when lock down is lifted to have bespoke wine tours for small groups of people – families and friends.
If you are able to use this information to let people know what we are doing that would be great thanks.
Many thanks for all your support at this difficult time.”
John and Bridget Hemmant
Chet and Waveney Valley Vineyard
Earsham Street Cafe (Fringe host)
We were looking forward to welcoming Earsham Street Cafe as a Fringe host for the 2020 Festival. Instead, we are featuring a flatbread recipe from their Facebook page which will come in very useful for those lucky enough to have flour!
“I know from experience it’s tricky to get hold of yeast at the moment. Who doesn’t love bread though? Knock up this quick batch of flatbreads; it’s a great introduction to bread making for children as you don’t have to wait for the dough to rise”
FLATBREADS (Makes 6)
340g Plain flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil, e.g. olive, sunflower or rapeseed
1. Mix all the ingredients together. Add enough warm water until you have a soft dough. Turn out of the bowl and knead for 5 mins until the dough is smooth.
2. Divide into 6 balls.
3. With a rolling pin, roll each one out on a floured work surface until 20cm in diameter.
4. Heat a dry frying pan until really hot (almost smoking).
5. Cook each bread until starting to puff up and starting to brown, flip over and cook the second side- it will be about 2 mins on each side.
6. Best served warm
Stall 60 (New Market) – Valley Farm Vineyards
“We do have on-line ordering and can do free local deliveries on orders over 3 bottles. Browse on line valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk/shop and then ring to take advantage of this offer – Elaine.”
Valley Farm Vineyards
valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk
f valleyfarmvineyards
t @VFVineyards 07867009967
Stall 72 (St Michael’s Churchyard) – Waveney Valley Smokehouse
“Waveney Valley Smokehouse wish we could attend the Food festival this year but will be there in virtuality.
Please visit our website should you wish to order products or become so bored with self isolation that talking to a complete stranger is preferable to yet another Netflix movie..
http://www.smoka.co.uk
Local and National deliveries are available.”
Gerry Skews
Waveney Valley Smokehouse
Newcombe Road
Lowestoft NR32 1XA
Serena Grant (Musician)
In 2019, we were lucky to have great support from local musicians and bands, including Rumpus Ukelele, Marie Young (Harp), Tin River, Aartwork Celtic Fusion, Tosh and Friends and Out of Nowhere.
One of the musicians who contacted us about playing at this year’s Festival is Serena Grant, who is disappointed not to be able to play, but has asked us to pass on her wishes for all our followers to stay safe.
Here’s a demo she has kindly allowed us to share with you to brighten your Easter.
Have a safe and peaceful one in your homes and gardens.
https://www.facebook.com/188167538297160/videos/754665115053540
Stall 42 (New Market) – Currylicious
After debuting in 2019, Currylicious were due to return this year with their tasty Indian snacks and curries. We hope to welcome them back in 2021, along with all the other artisan food and drink businesses due to attend in 2020.
“Hope everyone is keeping well. We have had a number of enquiries about home delivery, unfortunately, in the current pandemic we are unable to offer a home delivery service. We are, however, keeping the village shops well stocked with our Indian curries and snacks.”
Algy’s Farm Shop(Bintree)
Ryburgh Village Shop & Post Office(Great Ryburgh)
Massingham stores & Post office(Massingham)
Yare Val(Surlingham)
Priced Right.(Tattersett)
Itteringham Community Shop, Café & Post Office(Itteringham)
See Menu:
https://drive.google.com/…/1HD22sBTB3DvHReFaMrbOxYZxRs…/view
Keep safe!
www.currylicious.co.uk
Stall 73 (St Michael’s Churchyard) – East Anglian Air Ambulance
One of our invited charity stalls for the 2020 Festival was East Anglian Air Ambulance, a great cause which is dire need of assistance with the requirement for enhanced levels of PPE and the funding gap during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please feel free to share this far and wide on Facebook and support it if you are able.
“We have recently launched a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Emergency Appeal to raise funds in order to keep our frontline crew safe. We need to keep them safe so that the helicopters and rapid response vehicles remain operational and ready to respond when needed.
To do this, I would be grateful if you could help spread the word and share the details of the appeal on your social media and any other appropriate channels. Our fundraising activities, like so many others, have almost ceased, and although we are drawing down on our reserves, we have already spent over £25,000 of un-budgeted funds on essential PPE for our crew and estimate that over the next six months, we will need to spend over £100,000 to keep them safe.”
Further information about our Protective Equipment Appeal can be found at: https://www.eaaa.org.uk/support…/protective-equipment-appeal
A Facebook link can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/EastAnglianAirAmb…/…/10156710005547
Stall 26 (New Market) – Clinks Care Farm
“As a care farm, we combine the care of the land with the care of people.We offer opportunities for people to help out on the farm. Because of the natural therapeutic environment, this can aid people’s recovery and even be a preparation for employment in our sector or other industries.The care farm also provides an alternative to daycare by offering many meaningful activities on a working farm.”
Clinks Care Farm Shop is currently open from 11 am to 3 pm Monday – Saturday. Just visit the shop and the staff will advise what meat and veg is available, they will shop for you and payment is by card only.
For further details and their location at Toft Monks, near Beccles, go to http://www.clinkscarefarm.org.uk/ or check them out on Facebook.
Stall 61 (New Market) – St Peter’s Brewery
“Our online shop is fully operational and running as usual. We are currently dispatching orders within 1-2 working days, however we are experiencing a few courier delays due to the current situation.”
The Loddon Swan (Programme Advertiser)
“Great idea on spreading some positivity, we have been running a virtual pub since Saturday and it’s been going down a storm with our regulars!
The Facebook group is called The Virtual Loddon Swan and we have an Instagram page of the same name, although the Facebook group has proved most popular so far”.
Kelly Wright
General Manager
The Loddon Swan
Stall 38 (New Market) – Parravani’s Ice Cream
Parravani’s have been making ice cream in Norfolk (now in Suffolk!) for 122 years.
Check them out at parravanis.co.uk
“We currently offer free delivery to selected postcodes – approx. 25 miles radius of Beccles on orders over £10.00.
The code “Loyalty5” can be used against a £15.00 spend on ice cream and sorbet excluding dairy free flavours & Bullards Gin Sorbet until April 12th.
Summer flavours & Dairy Free flavours will be listed over the next day or so – Blackberry/Blueberry, Lemon Curd, Coconut & Italian Marmalade”
Stall 24 (New Market) – Ailsa’s Country Cream Fudge
Ailsa isn’t doesn’t sell directly online, but her delicious country cream fudge is available from Maisebrooke Farm Shop, where you will also find all manner of rare breed free range meat, along with a wide range of fruit and vegetables, dairy, preserves and other artisan food and drink products.
“The shop is open 10 -4 Tuesday – Sunday if you want to pop up. We will personally shop for you. If you would like to order over the phone please give us a call. Jo and David” @maisebrookefarmshop Tel: 01502 711018
Hanton’s Punch & Judy Show (St Michael’s Churchyard)
Sadly, though there will be no Punch and Judy show to keep the little ones amused at this year’s Virtual Festival, here’s something to keep them amused for a little while during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Once things return to something resembling normality, Daniel is available for children’s parties, events etc.
We hope to see him return for our (real) Festival on 29th May 2021.
www.punchjudyshow.com
The Fishmonger at No.4 (Smallgate) – Programme Advertiser
Mark Jermey is still supplying delicious fresh seafood and delivering locally through the current lockdown. Please support him if you can.
You can find him on Facebook @fishmongeratno4
Stalls 18 & 19 (Sheepgate) – Harris & James
Harris and James has been a key supporter of the Festival since it’s inception, selling their locally produced chocolate and gelato, also grinding their coffee in a unit behind Twyfords Cafe. They are still providing their chocolate and coffee products, so if you are stuck for birthday present ideas, you can order them from the safety of your home. Check out their latest offer at harrisandjames.com
Fringe Event Host – Baileys Delicatessen
One of our 12 Fringe hosts for 2020, Baileys Delicatessen, was to have hosted an event in the lead up to our main Festival event day. However, they are offering a collection/delivery service during the current lock down. Please bear them and other independent businesses in mind when you need food and drink produce.
STALL 83 (St Michael’s Church) – Stokes Sauces
‘From all of us here at Stokes Sauces, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you all in these turbulent times. Whilst our retail customers are working harder than ever to keep the shelves stocked, we’d also like to remind you that you can shop online for your favourites sauces which will be safely delivered to your doorstep. Shop here and enjoy free delivery on all orders over £20: www.stokessauces.co.uk/shop.
You can also get inspired with our brand new recipes section on our new website – a variety of sweet and savoury recipes, with new ideas added every week, along with our top 10 uses for your Stokes favourites! Find the recipes here: www.stokessauces.co.uk/recipes’
STALL 12 (Sheepgate) – Harleston Cider
In light of recent events surrounding Covid-19 we have sadly had to cancel our monthly cidery tours as well as numerous markets and fairs that we were due to attend. Instead, we are now offering a free delivery service to the following postcodes when you spend £25 or above: IP20, IP21, IP22, IP23 & NR15, NR16, NR35
Any orders below £25 will be subject to a £5 fee. Simply select ‘Home Delivery’ at the checkout if you are within our catchment. Deliveries will be made weekly on a Friday.
harlestoncider.co.uk
STALL 53 (New Market) – East Coast Chilli Co.
In view of the cancellation of this year’s Festival, East Coast Chilli Company would like to offer FREE POSTAGE on orders to all your attendees. This is an Beccles-specific offer that will not be advertised elsewhere. Please click on the link to find out more: https://www.eastcoastchillicompany.co.uk/free-postage-offe…/
We had a full programme of Fringe events lined up for you this year and we hope that these, and perhaps more, will be available at next years Fringe.
Anyone interested in taking part please contact admin@becclesfoodfestival.co.uk
We had already booked all of our stalls for this year and as we have not been able to provide a Festival to allow them to promote their business we have decided to use our website to give them whatever promotion we can in these challenging times.
Below will be a list of the stalls with information and links to their websites if available.
Please bare with us on this as it will take some time to build up the list so this will be an ongoing project.
Anyone interested in coming to 2021 please contact info@becclesfoodfestival.co.uk
Grazing Trail for 2020 Festival
The Grazing Trail Map shows the stall numbers and key locations that would have been in use during the Festival.
Cookery Theatre
We had an exciting lineup planned for The Cookery Theatre, in it’s new home at Hungate Church, this year so we hope to be able to bring these to you in 2021.
Information will be posted here when available.
If you would like to contact the Food Festival Committee please use the form below:
