Caterers invited to book their place at Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink

Coinciding with the Royal Wedding, the Friday of the 2011 festival will be a royal celebration offering exhibitors an opportunity to make the most of the extended bank holiday weekend and showcase their products to those expected to attend. Last year saw more than 100 exhibitors joining a line up of celebrities and the region's leading chefs. Gate revenue was up by at least 20% on 2009 figures. The Well Hung Meat Company will be using the festival to talk to consumers about its award-winning organic meats. Manager Simon Wood said: "We've been exhibiting at the festival for the last four years and we keep coming back as we get such a great response from visitors. "It's a perfect opportunity to talk to existing and new customers about our latest offerings - we were really pleased with the take up of our regular meat boxes at the last festival. It's a cost-effective event and the ideal opportunity to talk to a targeted audience of food fans." Kevin Lapthorne, operations manager at Salcombe Dairy added: "The timing and organisation of the event combined with the quality of the exhibitors participating, mean that the Exeter Festival is a vibrant, busy and happy event that attracts a diverse range of people – most of whom are really interested in the super food and drink available locally. "Salcombe Dairy takes part every year as Exeter Festival is a valuable tool in the box of raising awareness – and a fantastic opportunity to talk to consumers to make sure we are still making the ice creams and sorbets they want to buy from their local suppliers!" Festival chairman and board director Derek Phillips said: "The 2010 event was, by common consent, better than ever. We were blessed by great weather which helped create an amazing atmosphere and now very much look forward to the 2011 festival." The festival is supported by Exeter City Council. Councillor Greg Sheldon said: "It's been great to see the festival growing over the past years and putting Exeter on the map when it comes to celebrating our regional produce. This is an excellent opportunity for regional businesses and for us as a city." Any South West food and drink businesses wishing to exhibit with either a stall or a catering concession at the Festival should download booking forms online at www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk