ORGANISERS of a West Devon food festival are experiencing an oversubscription of exhibitors this year on the back of Tavistock winning the title of Best Food Town in the South West. Reservation applications for Tavistock Food Festival in July have risen to 119 with only 110 stands available, and since the award was announced two weeks ago enquiries have been coming in thick and fast. ?Last year, we had 80 stands, this year 110 but it looks like we might have to increase that slightly to squeeze some more in,? said festival chairman Jeffrey Stackhouse. ?Some 30 per cent of the bookings are from new exhibitors which will guarantee an even greater variety of regional produce ? it is quite clear that our success as the best food town has been a major influence.? Now in its third year, the festival takes place on July 29 and 30 in the Bedford Car Park and will be supporting the Children?s Hospice South West and the British Heart Foundation, both of whom will be exhibiting. Tavistock Eatwise will be at the festival continuing its campaign to promote local food and three major hotels in the area, Lewtrenchard, Endsleigh and Elfordleigh will be taking part ? an indication of how important this event is becoming to the tourist industry, said Mr Stackhouse. Peter Gorton from the Horn of Plenty is organising the celebrity chef demonstrations and the kiddies? food corner and has promised some new famous names in this year?s programme. Further details on the event can be obtained from the festival website at http://www.Tavistock">www.Tavistock FoodFestival.co.uk
