By Mal Butler
The inaugural Great Wight Bite, featuring a host of TV personalities and the Island’s top chefs, takes place at Northwood House, Cowes, this weekend September 9 and 10.
The two-day festival welcomes multi award-winning writer, broadcaster and River Cottage’s Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, along with founder of the Naked Grocer, celebrity chef and writer, Chris Bavin.
Chris said: “I’ll be there on both days hosting a ‘Chef’s Date’ with top chefs cooking up some amazing dishes.
“On both lunchtimes, I will be hosting a panel show and discussion, with Hugh Fearnley and we’ll be talking about the issues and challenges within our food industry. I’ll also be taking a children’s cookery class.
“I think the festival is an amazing idea and I can’t wait to come over. I love the Island, it has some fantastic food and produce and I can’t wait to be part of the festival.”
Organiser, Richard Nowell, added: “The Great Wight Bite is about supporting all of the Island’s food and drink businesses, from the small and artisan to larger brands, we want to showcase what the whole of the Isle of Wight has to offer.”
A rustic style ‘Chefs’ Demo Stage’ will be home to leading Island-based chefs, including the award-winning chef patron, Robert Thompson, Alex Kimber from The Heron and the Royal Hotel’s Matt Egan. On Sunday, broadcaster and drinks consultant, Helena Nicklin, will be talking about wine.
For foodies looking to learn new skills, there will be a Masterclass Kitchen, while there will also be a Little Chef’s Den where budding cooks of all ages can learn about food.
Festival goers can expect to feast and shop from more than 70 stalls spanning cuisines from around the world, while there will be craft beer from Bembridge-based White Knuckle Brewery and Isle of Wight Distillery, with their range of craft gins, rums and vodka.
Spence Willard and the IW Distillery’s Mermaid Gin are joining the event as a main sponsor and official spirit partner.
Tickets are now on sale, adults £10 and children 6-16yrs £5. For more information or tickets, visit iow.life/gwb or stay tuned via @greatwightbite on Facebook and Instagram.
Isle of Wight Observer