Increase of visitors expected at Taste of Birmingham

Jul 11 2009 By William Oliphant

IT WAS food glorious food in glorious sunshine as this year’s Taste of Birmingham event got under way.

Organisers of the four-day culinary festival reckon that this year is going to see at least 3,000 more visitors than last year with a total estimated attendance of 15,000 foodies.

Ian Taylor, commercial director at Marketing Birmingham, which helps organise the event, said: “The launch of Taste was a real success and a testament to how people want to celebrate and support their region’s food and drink offering.

“With a 67 per cent increase in attendance at this year’s launch event over last year’s festival, we’re looking forward to a busy few days ahead.”

He added: “The wealth of restaurants and local producers on offer and live music and cookery demonstrations have created a great atmosphere for visitors and we hope people will continue to come and enjoy the remaining few days.”

The event, which takes place in Cannon Hill Park until Sunday features 17 restaurants – up six on last year – as well as more than 50 local exhibitors and producers along with contribution by Heart of England Fine Foods.

Special tickets to the event cost £18 and includes £10 in food tokens to buy meals from restaurants inside. They can be bought at www.visitbirmingham.com/taste up to two hours before the show.

Tickets can also be bought from Birmingham’s tourism centres at the Rotunda and New Street. Standard tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Children under 16 go free.