Suffolk: Beccles Food and Drink Festival 2023 success

The Beccles event, now in its eighth year, has become an established favourite in the town’s calendar and attracts visitors from far and wide to sample the artisan produce on offer.

It was held in the historic streets of Sheepgate, New Market and the area of St. Michael’s church on Saturday.

Visitors were tempted by the smells of delicious world street food, including Indian, Thai and Malaysian dishes, pizza, fried chicken, venison and hog roasts.

Crowds in Newmarket enjoying the stalls on offer (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)

Paul Parravani, lead organiser said: “This year was another great success, with most stall holders selling out, lots of happy visitors, and the weather was perfect for a Food and Drink Festival.

"We are very grateful to everyone who helped us on the day, and to our sponsors, the VENI Partnership, Suffolk County Council Locality Funding, Denbury Homes, Harris and James, Sweeties and Fred Olsen Travel.”

Chef Lauren Ellis from Coutts Bank in London preparing a pastry dish in the Local Flavours cookery theatre (Image: Dominic's Photography)

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While many of the 60 stalls, including Fen Farm Dairy, Penny Bun Bakery and Truly Traceable Venison and Game were regular attendees, several new ones, such as Woodrow Chocolates, Drip Drop Bake Stop and Fabulous Funghi added new variety.

The crowds were entertained in the sunshine by musicians throughout the day, while the little ones enjoyed Hanton’s Punch and Judy and face painting in the churchyard.

The ever popular The Penny Bun Bakehouse stall (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)

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The award for Mayor’s Choice of Best Stall Appearance, sponsored by Sweeties and presented by Christine Wheeler, the town’s newly elected mayor, was won by Good to Go.

A new award, for the Most Sustainable Stall at the Festival, went to Peachey’s Preserves, from Alburgh.

The 2024 event date has already been set as Saturday, May 25.

Good to Go receiving the Mayors Choice for Best Stall Appearance with mayor Christine Wheeler, pictured with the award sponsors Mr and Mrs Sweeties (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)

The Local Flavours cookery theatre attracted large audiences (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)

Visitors enjoying Bella Ciao's Pizza at the Festival (Image: Dominic's Photography)