By Isle of Wight Observer
Popular food and drink festival, The Great Wight Bite, is set to return to Northwood House, Cowes, later this year.
Last year saw over 5,000 foodies sampling culinary delights and entertainment from across the Island and south coast.
Legendary Italian chef, Gennaro Contaldo, will be joining this year’s festival on September 7 and 8. Mentor to Jamie Oliver, a regular on Saturday Morning Kitchen as well as a host of TV credits and cook-books, Gennaro is regarded as one of the most loved chefs on our screens.
The chefs’ demonstration stage also welcomes back the award-winning writer and broadcaster, Chris Bavin, who will host the Island’s talented chefs. Chris said: “Last year’s festival was one of my highlights of the summer. There was such a great atmosphere and it was great fun working with all the local chefs who are rightly passionate about the Island’s produce. I’m looking forward to being part of this year’s event, and getting involved across the various stages plus enjoying some fantastic food and drink.”
The Little Chefs’ Den will once again be led by Ben and Holly Cooke from the Little Gloster.
And new for this year, drinks expert and Gurnard local, Helena Nicklin, will be joining the stellar line-up. Also new, sees the launch of adult cooking classes, led by Zoe Ombler from the Epicurean Sailor, which will include a fun drinks element covering Island gins, rums and beers, plus wine-tastings, delivered by writer and broadcaster, Helena.
Organisers are busy working on bringing more stallholders to Northwood House, with the festival weekend aiming to champion all aspects of the food and drink industry, from the farmers, fishermen, producers, brewers, distillers and talented chefs.
A masterclass stage will again be home to the Island’s smaller artisan producers, and a chance for them to showcase their craft to festival foodies.
On Saturday night the Ultimate Elton tribute band will get things rocking.
The Great Wight Bite is also supporting the Isle of Wight Foodbank, as this year’s charity partner, with a range of initiatives announced in the coming weeks.
There is also the launch of a ‘Saturday evening festival ticket’ from 4.30pm-9.30pm, which includes an Ultimate Elton Tribute performance. Tickets for either day are on sale now, with adults £11.50 and children 6-16yrs £5. With a Saturday evening adult ticket at £7.50 and weekend tickets £19. Concessions are available. For more information or tickets, visit iw.observer/gwbtickets.
