The organisers of one of the region’s biggest food festivals have just announced its relocation to a new venue this summer.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Suffolk Market Events team were forced to move Taste of Sudbury to Melford Hall in 2022 – which proved a huge success.
With Melford Hall closed for outdoor events this year, they’ve had to pivot again, but say they are very happy the festival will remain in Long Melford, with the gates opening over the road at Kentwell Hall on June 17.
“Supporting local producers and celebrating local food and drink has been the core focus and theme of the festival for several years,” says organiser Justine Paul.
“It is so important, and indicative of the success of the festival, that we have several local businesses that support the festival, and that we have enormous numbers of visitors who enjoy the festival each year. Coming to Kentwell Hall is somewhat serendipitous as I believe it was the venue for one of the first farmers’ markets in the area over 20 years ago.”
A spokesperson from Kentwell Hall adds: “Judith and Patrick Phillips are delighted to welcome the Taste of Sudbury festival to Tourney Park at Kentwell Hall. A worthy and valued local event in a lovely Kentwell setting.”
This year’s one-day, family-friendly festival is supported by sponsors including County Broadband, Spectre Leisure, Holmes & Hills Solicitors, and Paul Clark Printing. “We couldn’t do it without them,” adds Justine.
Here’s a glimpse into what to expect:
Drinking
Sip on regional wines and freshly shucked Essex oysters at Bar Dionysus, liven up the weekend with a cocktail from Bar Rumba, or sample a pint from award-winning Artefact Brewing. Designated drivers and younger visitors will find plenty of soft drink options. And there will be three excellent spots for proper barista-made coffee to wake up early arrivals.
Eating out
The standard of street food stalls is always incredibly high at Taste of Sudbury, with a variety of tastes catered for. This year that includes the most delicious curries and snacks from Tikkatonic, fresh bagels filled with home-cured, slow-cooked salt beef, pickles and horseradish mustard from Bagel or Beigel, thick, melty toasties from Otis Breading...and more.
Fill your bags
Whether you’re shopping for dinner, looking for a few local goodies to stow away in the cupboard, or just really want to treat yourself, you’ll discover loads of stallholders ready with samples to try (and often special festival offers).
The sisters behind Baked By Humphries always cause a stir with their stuffed cookies, cookie pies and multi-layered brownies. You might have tried Casey’s Cakes at Lavenham Blue Tea Room or one of the local farmers’ markets. Her scones are not to be missed.
And Wooster’s make the most insane pastries and delicious breads (you won’t be able to finish their almond croissants).
Build your own grazing board for dinner with rare breed pork salamis and terrines from Sunday Charcuterie, relishes and chutneys from Stokes Sauces, pies from Hoskyns Deli, and truckles of Cheddar from The Cheese and Pie Man.
Not just food
Once your appetite’s been sated, don’t forget to spend time perusing the craft stalls, where you’ll discover gift ideas and homeware – from hand block printed cotton paper and teatowels, to stoneware ceramics, scented candles and wax melts, oak chopping boards and artisan knives.
On stage
As ever, a rota of top local chefs, bakers and butchers will be up on stage with host Jon Jackaman from Infusions, demonstrating some of their favourite recipe. So far the line-up includes Will Wooster and dad Simon, Greg Strolenberg of Lavenham Butchers, and Martin Ingram of the White Hart in Boxford.
Family friendly
There’s always something at Taste of Sudbury to keep little minds occupied. This year the team have arranged free pottery sessions with Kiln Cottage Pottery in their gazebo.
Tickets for Taste of Sudbury are £5 for adults, while under 18s go free. It’s open from 10am to 5pm, with plenty of free parking on site. And well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Buy your tickets in advance at tasteofsudbury.co.uk
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