Thousands flock to best WGC World Food Festival yet

WELWYN GARDEN CITY — Thousands of people headed with hungry tums to Welwyn Garden City town centre this weekend, as it was transformed into a hub of global cuisine for the return of the Welwyn Garden City Food Festival.

The one day event, hosted by Welwyn Garden City Business Improvement District and Oaklands College welcomed over 30 stallholders, presenting cuisines from all around the world from traditional Yorkshire pudding wraps, to spicy Cajun and fragrant flavours in Peruvian and South African cuisine and plenty more. This year a brand new World Food Market offered visitors a wealth of fresh produce to take home and enjoy in addition to the freshly cooked world dishes.

Foodie fans packed out the World Cooking Demo tent which hosted a series of informative sessions from our foodie experts, from top tips in the kitchen to recipes and expert techniques to add flair for any amateur cook.

The stage welcomed local food writers Becky Alexander and Michelle Lake, with their top tips of adult lunches and healthy snacks. Tutors and students from Oaklands Colleges’ Hospitality and Catering department hosted a series of demos, ranging from knife and butchery skills through to the technical world of molecular gastronomy led by Head Chef at the College’s on-campus restaurant The Stables at St Albans Campus. The college’s Horticulture team were also on hand selling a selection of flowering plants and vegetables.

The World Music Stage delivered a fantastic festival atmosphere with Oaklands College Music students, Bollywood Dancers, Swanvesta Social Club and Asian Dhol Drummers in the mix with performances through the day.

This year marks the seventh for hosts Welwyn Garden City BID and Oaklands College. Principal and Chief Executive of the College Zoe Hancock said: “The World Food Festival is widely thought of as one of the most high profile community events in the year for Welwyn Garden City town centre.

“Special thanks to the students who took to the stage for various performances and demonstrations throughout the day – they delivered so professionally and should all be very proud for their part in creating such an excellent impression of the college to the wider community.”

Mariana Bitonte, WGC BID Manager said “It was great to see so many people come from all over the country to enjoy the World Food Festival, and make the most of the fantastic array of food on offer. This event is always a great opportunity to put Welwyn Garden City on the map and showcase our beautiful town centre and even though we had a few showers they didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and we can safely say 2018 was the best Food Fest yet!”

The foodie week continues this Wednesday with a great edition of MidWeek Munch from 11am on Howardsgate. There will be more great events this year in the town centre, such as the Garden Festival and Cinema on the Green, so keep up to date on www.welwyngarden.co.uk