Lincolnshire Showground has revealed further details about this year’s upcoming 21st annual Food and Gift Fair, which will be taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, 9am – 4pm.
Located at Lincolnshire Showground’s EPIC Centre and Exo Centre, each year the popular event features a wide range of food, gifts and demonstrations along with bags of festive cheer.
The weekend will see special guest and Great British Bake Off star, Sandy Docherty take to the Lincolnshire Kitchen stage, a popular spot for foodies looking to catch a live demonstration. There, Sandy will be showcasing her baking expertise while whipping up her favourite Christmas recipes for audiences on both days at 11:40am and 2:10pm.
The kitchen will also play host to Stephanie Dexter, head chef and director of The Cross Keys Grasby, which recently won Restaurant of the Year at The Taste of Excellence Awards, as well as the Best Pub in Lincolnshire at The Pub & Bar Awards. Stephanie will be demonstrating on both days at 1:20pm how to prepare a whole turkey and explain how to use every single part of the bird and be left with no waste.
As well as the Lincolnshire Kitchen, this year will see the return of many favourites as well as lots of new, local and exciting exhibitors. These include first-time exhibitor, Bugvita, which offers food mixes that contain edible crickets, providing visitors with an unusual option for stocking fillers this Christmas.
Adam Banks, director at Bugvita, said: “I came across the idea of eating insects while I was living in Mexico. They are not only high in protein but also have a range of other health benefits.
“As a Lincolnshire local myself, I’m really looking forward to this year’s Food and Gift Fair and to meeting and talking with visitors about edible insects and why they might want to consider them. I especially can’t wait to see their reactions when trying our samples, we even have some edible locusts especially for the show.”
This year also marks a first for Dorrington Homestead, a Lincolnshire company that has made a name for itself selling homemade products from its farm in Dorrington. Its products include natural soaps, candles, hampers, jams, cured meats, cheese and cider.
Sam Owen owns Dorrington Homestead alongside his wife Amanda. He said: “We started Dorrington Homestead in lockdown in pursuit of the good life. We wanted to go back to being self-sufficient and producing what we consume with a real focus on animal welfare.
“Everything we sell is made by hand and the jams, for example, are made from berries we’ve foraged ourselves. We’re really excited to share our passion and our story with the visitors at Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair.”
Foodies should also look out for The Chocolat Story, Fudged Up and Homemade Sweetness for a taste of scrumptiously indulgent handmade treats. For those after something a bit different, be sure to check out what artistic and creative gifts and treats you can find at Hannah’s Craft Cottage, Lynda Martin Lincolnshire Artist and Skyebubble Canine & Equine Gifts.
Alongside this, there will be plenty of activities to keep little ones busy, including the famous Santa’s Workshop area which will be returning and ready to provide hours of free entertainment for the family to enjoy.
Sarah Duxbury, business development and trade sales manager at Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We’re all really excited about this year’s exhibitor line-up and look forward to the return of some visitor favourites as well as welcoming so many fantastic new exhibitors too.
“We have a range of very special guests too and are delighted to have Great British Bake Off’s Sandy Docherty join us at the Lincolnshire Kitchen, as well as the very talented Stephanie Dexter.”
The Food and Gift Fair is one of several events organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, and organisers are preparing for the biggest and busiest fair to date.
Sarah added: “The Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair really is a great way to step into the festive spirit and find the perfect Christmas gift for loved ones of all ages, while enjoying a brilliant day out with fun for the whole family. From a visit to Santa, exquisite festive treats and spectacular demonstrations, there really is something for everyone.”
Tickets for the Fair can be bought online for £5.50 each (plus booking fee) in advance, and are valid for either day of the event. Tickets will be available on the gate for £7 each on either day, and all attendees will also have access to free parking.
Children under five years old go free when accompanied by an adult. As the event is held indoors, only assistance dogs will be permitted.
To buy tickets or find out more about this year’s Food and Gift Fair, visit https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift
