Buckingham’s ninth annual Food Fair, held on Saturday 26th February 2022, attracted a record 1,500 people inside Buckingham Community Centre, with more visiting traders positioned around the building. Visitors tried and tested some of the best food and drink local traders had on offer. An easter egg was even given to the one-thousandth visitor. One shopper described the event as Foodie Heaven.
Each trader showcased their products and outstanding customer service, many selling out of stock on the day. We welcomed back traders who have supported us since the very first Food Fair back in 2013 along with first-time traders such as MKS Food Distribution, Buckingham Fairtrade, Indian Orchard and Reasons To Season.
Interactive smoothie bikes were on offer for anyone to try. These proved very popular and saw some great demonstrations from local children, adults and the Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Margaret Gateley. Visitors got to pick out their own ingredients and then raced against the clock to see how fast they could create their desired fruit smoothie.
Most of the food traders came from within a 30-mile radius of the town. But the event also celebrated all the restaurants and venues in Buckingham. 500 new Foodie Buckingham maps were handed out, showing all the different and fabulous venues in the town.
Funding for the smoothie bike and foodie maps was provided by the Government’s ‘Welcome Back Fund’ through Buckinghamshire Council.
Lead councillor of the event, Cllr Fran Davies, said: “What a fantastic event with over 2000 people enjoying the produce on the stalls and the traders in the sunshine. Thanks have to go to the Town Council Team, but especially Bethanie, our Business and Administration Apprentice, for all their hard work and organisational skills. Many of the traders were asking when the next one will be, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to it. I was so happy to see so many smiling faces in Buckingham.”
For enquiries, please contact Paul Hodson at Buckingham Town Council on 01280 816426, communications@buckingham-tc.gov.uk.
The Government’s ‘Welcome Back Fund’ is European Regional Development Fund money that has been allocated to Buckinghamshire Council. The fund is being used to encourage visitors back to our high streets across Buckinghamshire. The fund runs up to 31 March 2022.