A Celebration of Food, Glorious Food on The Pantiles this May

The Pantiles Food Festival is set to take place in Tunbridge Wells historic heart on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May 2011. As the town's original pedestrianised shopping area, The Pantiles is the perfect family-friendly market venue. 

It is hoped that the Food Festival will attract around 50 stallholders, selling both hot and cold food, fresh produce, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and many other tasty treats. Utilising both the Corn Exchange and the outside areas, the festival will include a screening of a gourmet movie, accompanied by fine wines and cheeses, and various food-related demonstrations. Al fresco music on the bandstand and maybe a street performer or two - to keep the kids amused - will add to the festival atmosphere. Further details to be announced. 

The festival will focus on the wonderful fresh Kent and Sussex produce; much of which is a feature at The Pantiles’ regular farmers' market, with some interesting surprises thrown in for good measure. 

The Food Festival is being organised by The Association of Pantiles Traders, with the support of TargetFollow (The Pantiles’ owners) and Produced In Kent. It is a not-for-profit event with the aim of promoting fresh Kent and Sussex produce, the importance of buying local, and bringing people to the lower end of town, where there is a wealth of interesting, independent shops, pubs and eateries. 

"Produced in Kent are delighted to be supporting the inaugural Pantiles

Food Festival,” says Julie Monkman, Manager of Produced In Kent. “West Kent and Sussex have some excellent producers and I'm certain this will become a ‘must visit’ event for South Eastern foodies.”

The organisers are delighted to announce that TV chef and owner of Tunbridge Wells’ top restaurant Thackerays, Richard Phillips has agreed to be patron of the first Pantiles Food Festival. 

“Buying local means we have seasonality, taste, freshness and the keenest prices because there is an abundance of great produce available, this in turn helps to support the local economy,” explains Richard. 

He continues. “Setting the Food Festival in The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells will bring a great food experience to many people, allowing them to enjoy the dynamic range and quality of Kent and Sussex produce. 

“Being an ambassador for fantastic locally grown produce, I am excited to be involved in this event,” he concludes.

The Pantiles car park on Major Yorks Road (adjacent to The Common) offers convenient parking. Alternative parking is available at Union House on Eridge Road (by Sainsbury’s roundabout) and at Linden Park Road (behind the Corn Exchange). Some street parking is also available. 

Anyone wishing to get involved with the festival should email: foodfestival@pantilestraders.co.uk More info can be found at www.thepantilesonline.co.uk or follow @pantilestraders on Twitter.