Held this year for the first time on the Millennium Green in Bridport, the Love Food – Love Bridport Market replaced the popular annual Bridport Food Festival event at Asker Meadows which was not possible to run with the current Covid-19 restrictions. The free open-air market was a celebration of everything delicious in Bridport and the surrounding area. Visitors were among other things, able to sample the produce and buy from over 30 food and drink stalls,  consume homemade cakes made by Colmer WI or a  cream tea with scones kindly provided from West Bay Tea rooms,  enjoy a pint of beer or cider from the Bridport Round Table’s Beer & Cider Gazebo, take their chances of winning on the Festival raffle and  listen to live music by local musicians.

“We are delighted to say the ‘Love Food – Love Bridport’ was considered by all (visitors, traders and ourselves) a great success. It was fantastic in these difficult times to see so many happy faces enjoying a day out.    There was a steady stream of visitors from when the Market opened at 9 until rain ended proceeding at just before 5 pm. The feedback received from all involved has been extremely complimentary, and we have also received incredibly positive comments from the regular Bridport Street market traders and retailers in the town who enjoyed increased footfall as a result.  I must take this opportunity once again to thank our generous sponsors, the local businesses that supported us by kindly donating produce and prizes, Palmers Brewery for their beer barrel seating and chairs and of course the Bridport Town Council, without whose help and support this event just would not have happened” said Kathy Dare, Chairman, Bridport Local Food Group.

This week a team from the Bridport Local Food Group are going into local primary schools – Bridport St Mary’s , Burton Bradstock and Bridport Primary –  to run hands-on cookery sessions. The children will be creating delicious salads and dressings and making drop scones to take home.

Also, until Friday 25 June , local hospitality businesses are joining  in the celebration by offering special festival dishes/menus that showcase local food and what they do. Details of what is on offer available on www.bridportfoodfestival.co.uk