CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Food Fest is a Recipe for Success

Forth Valley Food Festival whipped up the perfect recipe once again, with over 15,000 thousand people flocking to a variety of events from foraging to farm tours over 10 days.

Food Fest is a Recipe for Success

Article Source: Stirling PR
Last Updated: 23 October 2019 17:22

Forth Valley Food Festival whipped up the perfect recipe once again, with over 15,000 thousand people flocking to a variety of events from foraging to farm tours over 10 days.

The annual food trail and promotional campaign, led by Forth Valley and Lomond Leader, offered nearly 50 opportunities to enjoy Forth Valley’s local larder at 12 locations across the region.

Douglas Johnston, Chair of the local LEADER programme said: “It has been great to see the festival grow this year, connecting even more local people and visitors with our region’s rich larder.”

For the second year running, ‘Meet the Goats’ at Gartur Stitch Farm was a sell-out success, with locals and visitors alike snapping up tickets to milk the goats, hand feed the sheep and collect eggs from the roost.

The festival has proved a real boost to business, as smallholder Kat Goldin explained: “Once again we’ve been blown away by the popularity of our farm tours. It’s always a joy to allow families to experience farm life first-hand, from milking the goats and feeding the sheep to cuddling a calf and collecting eggs. We’re passionate about educating the next generation and making our tours accessible, so all under 16s go free. We launched our ‘Meet the Goats’ experience during last year’s festival and it was so popular we started running it all year round.”

This year Gartur Stitch also added a pizza foraging experience, highlighting the free food that grows all around us. A theme that was continued with a wild cocktail making event at Aberfoyle’s Forth Inn.

Rox Madeira of Trossachs Wild Apothecary who led the event said: “We showed how easy it is to use locally foraged ingredients to craft your own wild cocktails using syrups made from hawthorn berries, nettles and rosehip.”

With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkin picking at Arnprior Farm was also a huge hit.

Visitor Zoe Maughan from Prestwick said: “Our main reason for visiting the farm was to have fun picking a home grown pumpkin. At the same time, educating my son about the environment and where our food comes from. We loved the buzz on the patch, digging for tatties and playing in the straw bales.”

There were also plenty of free opportunities to get back to the land, from tree planting and gardening sessions at Stirling University community garden to guided tours of Tomnah’a Market Garden.

The festival also highlighted nearly 40 of the region’s local food producers through a series of local food promotions at Stirling Farmers’ Market, Stirling NeighbourFood and Blair Drummond Smiddy. With some producers offering special seasonal products to mark the festival, such as Riverside Bakery CIC.

Baker Theo Laffargue said: “We laid on spiced apple pastries using local apples, butter, milk and eggs and pumpkin sourdough using Tomnah’a pumpkins. They went like hot cakes. We sold out within an hour of them going on sale!”

Local food was also on the menu at the Old Mill in Killearn, with a special chilli feast and film screening.

Gary McAlpine of Drymen based Foragers Foods, which supplied locally grown chillies for the event, said: “We’re a small business, so to have the festival shine a spotlight on what we are doing is great. We hope the festival will encourage more people to support the local economy, cut down their food miles and connect with the people who make or grow food by shopping local.”

The Food Festival is supported by Stirling Council and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.

Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Cllr Margaret Brisley said: “This festival is a superb showcase of our vibrant and thriving food and drink sector, serving up a wide range of activities and tasty treats for families to sample.

“I am thrilled that this second helping has proven so successful and we will continue collaborating with partners to stage exciting events like this to strengthen this important area of Stirling’s economy.”


Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Alison Laurie added: “The Forth Valley Food Festival allows residents and tourists the opportunity to experience, explore and taste local flavours and boosts our ambition to become a must-visit destination for food and drink.

“With such a diverse variety of events taking place throughout urban and rural Stirling, there was something for everyone to enjoy and helped make this year’s event another great success.”

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Three Rivers Festival

Latest Stirling News

Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration

Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration

The Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

READ MORE
Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project

Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project

To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.

READ MORE
Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters

Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters

Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.

READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

READ MORE
Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches

Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches

Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).

READ MORE
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling

Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling

People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.

READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts

William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts

Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.

READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.

READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

READ MORE
Find out how foster caring in Stirling could work for you at drop in event

Find out how foster caring in Stirling could work for you at drop in event

A drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
ATG
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Three Rivers Festival
Renfrewshire Council
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Leather Bag Making
Join artisan Jude Gove for a hands-on leather bag making workshop where you will create your very own stylish and functional cross-body bag using soft leather and pure wool felt.
Joshua Burnside
Belfast-based Northern Irish folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside is on a UK tour in 2025 with a date at the Tolbooth Stirling on 5th August!
Trio Òran, Piano Trio Concert ‘Throughflow’
Don't miss London-based Piano Trio, Trio Òran, from Guildhall School of Music and Drama, as they present a recital of contrasts at Church of the Holy Rude on 18th July!
An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Wet Wet Wet
An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Wet Wet Wet will see the band perform a full set of reworked Wet Wet Wet classics, with the odd story and anecdote from their history thrown in for good measure!
Circus Vegas: Stirling
Circus Vegas, a new death-defying circus, is touring the UK 2025 and comes to King's Park, Stirling from 11th to 15th July!

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling