The inaugural Dundee Food Festival is just around the corner and with more than 55 fringe events organised this weekend, there’s plenty for everyone to get stuck into.
From 10 am on Saturday, July 6 until 7 pm and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday, July 7, there will be free activities and paid events at many locations across Dundee city centre.
The main festival hub is at City Square in the town centre with more activities at Slessor Gardens Picnic Zone, Discovery Point, V&A Dundee, the Waterfront, the Keiller Centre, DCA and many more. A variety of local businesses will also play host to varying events.
The family-friendly festival, which encourages attendees to eat, drink, play and think, has been organised by Dundee City Council to support the food, drink and hospitality sector while highlighting the city’s strong cultural scene.
Local partners include the Eden Project, V&A Dundee, James Hutton Institute and Eat and Drink Dundee.
The festival will showcase the city’s local food and drink scene through a range of events, talks and activities. There will be children’s entertainment, characters on stilts and live music, and festivalgoers can streetfood and producer markets plus cooking demonstrations.
Tickets for the paid-for events such as Gillian Veal’s Tatha takeover at V&A Dundee, wreath-making workshops with Annie’s Garden, Rock the Dock and Party at the Point event at Discovery Point, Dean Banks’ Q&A at Temple Lane and Bad Girl Bakery’s workshop can be purchased online at dundeefoodfestival.com.
Tayport Distillery, Dough Dough Pizza Co, Jannettas Gelateria, Casa Di Gelato, Fig and Fromage Delicatessen are just some of the 45-plus businesses taking part.
Kieran McGuire, account manager at Dundee’s 71 Brewing, wanted to support the community event that hopes to bring people from all over the region into the city centre. He said:
“We are thrilled to be a part of Dundee Food Festival this weekend. As Dundee's first and foremost brewery, our involvement highlights our commitment to elevating the city in both the food and drink space.
“The event is a fantastic opportunity for us to share our beers with the local community and engage with fellow local producers. Plus experience the diverse culinary offerings the Dundee and surrounding areas offer.
"We look forward to connecting with attendees, receiving their feedback, and being inspired by the creativity and innovation that defines Dundee's vibrant food and drink scene."
The Maker, 71 Brewing’s bar and restaurant, will offer 10% off customers’ bills when they quote Dundee Food Fest when booking.
Community groups, like the Maxwell Centre and Campy Growers, are also involved.
With a focus on sustainability during the festival, those attending are invited to travel by public transport, carpooling, biking or walking to the events.
Festival partners sustainability pledges can also be viewed on their event pages on the website.
City Council Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Councillor Steven Rome said:
“It is so exciting to see that the Dundee Food Festival is finally here for its first year. Featuring a variety of local food and drink stations, live entertainment, lectures, experiences, food tastings and games for children, there should be something for everyone to enjoy over a weekend of fun. "
City Council Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Committee Convener Heather Anderson, added: “We are placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and the local reaction has been extremely heartening.”
Information about the events taking place this weekend can be found on dundeefoodfestival.com
