Bath & North East Somerset Council has won the National British Food Fortnight competition for 2016, after its celebrations were acknowledged as the most imaginative and inclusive of British Food across the nation.
Bath and North East Somerset was named the unanimous winner, voted for by the judges The Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom, MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Breige Donaghy, Director of Delicious Food, Co-op Food, Chef Raymond Blanc OBE and Alexia Robinson, Founder of Love British Food.
Bath & North East Somerset Council celebrated British Food Fortnight (17th September – 2nd October) by organising a lively programme of events, activities and competitions.
Over 30 businesses and organisations participated in hosting food festivals, cooking and growing courses and special local food promotions and menus.
The Council launched a new online local food directory to enable residents and visitors to easily find and buy locally produced food and drink.
A special British Breakfast lunch was also provided for primary schools prepared from healthy, locally sourced and organic ingredients, supporting children to celebrate British food traditions and local produce.
Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The Bath and North East Somerset British Food Fortnight was a huge success bringing together local businesses, community groups and schools to celebrate local food and drink and healthy eating and to support local businesses in imaginative ways.
“By creating a district wide programme we were able to extend the celebrations leading to a truly remarkable fortnight of fun and food.”
Tim Warren, Leader of the Council said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Bath and North East Somerset and recognises efforts from the whole community to celebrate the fantastic local food produced in our area.”
Breige Donaghy, Director of Delicious Food, Co-op Food said: “Huge congratulations to Bath & North East Somerset for the fantastic activity they organised for this year’s British Food Fortnight.
“I was thrilled to be involved in judging entries that saw such wonderful community events taking part across the UK. Bath & North East Somerset certainly brought the whole community together to celebrate all that is great about British food.
“The Co-op is delighted to continue sponsorship of Love British Food and we are looking forward to seeing more events and entries in 2017.”
Bath and North East Somerset’s activities will be promoted widely in order to inspire other communities to get involved next year.
