Press release

4 April 2008

Immediate

Foodies at the Festival 2008: dates and impressive new venues announced for top foodie event

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Festival Square, Edinburgh

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August 2008

Following a highly successful debut in 2007, Edinburgh Festival’s only dedicated food event, Foodies at the Festival, today announced dates and venues for this year’s event.  Due to an increase in demand for stalls at the producers’ market and the introduction of food masterclasses to the programme, the organisers have selected much larger venues this year.  The 5-star Sheraton Grand Hotel and the adjoining, impressive Festival Square will allow more visitors to celebrate the finest Scottish food and drink again in 2008 over the August Bank Holiday weekend.  

As well as the market and masterclasses, many other food-related activities are planned including demonstrations from top Scottish chefs in a purpose-built chefs’ theatre.  The hour-long demonstrations will focus on Scottish ingredients and aim to inspire visitors to recreate the dishes themselves.  Many of the ingredients used can be sourced at the outdoor market. Michelin-starred Martin Wishart of Restaurant Martin Wishart and Liam Ginniane of Champany Inn are booked as well as award-winning Paul Tamburrini of Hotel du Vin in Glasgow and Roy Brett of Dakota who recently won Scottish Restaurant of the Year and Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2008.

As a real move forward from last years’ event, the local producers’ market will move outdoors to Festival Square, thus allowing space for more stalls and a larger area for hot food preparation and café-style seating areas.  Many specially selected exhibitors will be selling and demonstrating their wares, giving festival-goers the opportunity to sample and learn more about the excellent food Scotland has to offer.

Following the high attendance at last year’s drink masterclasses the organisers have included food masterclasses in this year’s programme.  Classes will be held in areas ranging from chocolate to special cheeses.

Research carried out through Edinburgh Festivals magazine by Sue Hitchen, director of Edinburgh-based The Media Company, identified a strong desire from festival fans for a food-focused event.  Foodies at the Festival was created to meet that demand.

Sue commented: 

“Foodies was very well attended last year and this year we’re moving to a larger venue in order to provide more visitors with more fantastic Scottish food and drink experiences.  I’m very proud to live in a country with such a rich larder and want to do my part in sharing it with the rest of the world.”

The Edinburgh Festival is the world’s largest arts event, incorporating the international, fringe, book and jazz festivals which take place in Edinburgh during August.  Last year the festivals attracted over 2 million visitors.

ENDS

For further information and images please contact Lee McGregor or Roben Hera at Crimson Edge PR.

Tel: 0131 311 7050 Fax: 0131 311 7051

Email: lee@crimsonedge.co.uk, roben@crimsonedge.co.uk

Editor’s Notes

·               Tickets will be on sale soon

·               More information can be found at www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0131 226 7766

·               Foodies at the Festival 2008 is located at the Sheraton Grand on Lothian Road directly opposite the Usher Hall, the Lyceum and Traverse Theatres, and within close walking distance of many other prime festival venues

·               Edinburgh is recognised as Scotland’s culinary capital.  The city now boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants