Fun at Pennine festival of food

From the archive, first published Monday 11th Sep 2006.

A SERIES of wacky events were held to mark the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Drink.

Top chef, Paul Heathcote, who owns the Olive Press in Bolton, was among the celebrity chefs who took on members of Edgworth Cricket Club.

The Edgworth team was joined by ex-England and Lancashire ace Warren Hegg, who retired from professional cricket last year after 20 years.

Jonathan Mather, a member of Edgworth Cricket Club, said: "It was a bit of fun and we had a food theme with members of Edgworth Club taking on a team made up of chefs and members of Longridge Cricket Club."

Mr Heathcote added: "I had seen some of these lads play before and thought I might be a bit out of my depth, but the day went well."

Meanwhile, waiters proved they could provide a speedy service when they took part in an organised dash.

Workers from Rossendale celebrity chef Andrew Nutter's restaurant in Norden were among 12 food servers to take part in the first ever Lancashire fastest waiter competition. They dashed along Bridge Street in an event designed to test their athleticism, balance and service skills.

Charity events held during the festival included a world record attempt for the largest number of custard pies launched in a food fight. Festival goers could also step back in time for a Tudor banquet at Turton Tower or take part in the Pendle witches ale trail. A number of gourmet walks were organised where food lovers could pick their own produce.

And with celebrity chef demonstrations, a chance to meet the growers and producers and a charity food auction there was no reason for visitors to go home complaining that they would not be able to cook up a storm themselves.

The Festival of Food and Drink celebrates the Lancashire's delicacies - including world famous black pudding, warming hot pot, sarsaparilla and beer - as well as cuisines from more exotic climes which have now been adopted as local dishes.

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