Susan James gives us seven reasons to visit this buzzing celebration
Food and drink heaven
The streets of Bovey are filled with no less than 45 stalls selling food and drink from producers across the South West. These include Plant Generation from Totnes, PJ’s Gourmet Sausage Rolls from Torquay and Continental Crumbs from South Brent. Papillon Dartmoor Distillery has been at the festival from its early days. Director Claire Hyne says: ‘It’s a cracking event. So many people come back each year... and everyone’s in such a good mood.’
Discover local makers
Fifteen makers will be exhibiting their work at The Methodist Hall for the Nourish Craft Fair. Cathy Newell Price is taking part for the first time after moving last year from Reading to West Devon. ‘My jewellery is inspired by plants from the countryside. I work in silver, and with vitreous enamel. I’ll have a wide range of handmade work on show from affordable earrings to one-off bespoke necklaces and broaches,’ says Cathy.
Taste something new
Arrive feeling hungry because there are 18 street food stalls to choose from. New this year is The Meatball Shack, developed by the team behind Chanbury’s Woodfired Pizza in Kingsteignton. They prepare hand-rolled meatballs cooked in a woodfired oven, then add delicious sauces, with pasta and nacho options. Or there’s family-run Le Creperie de Bovey with its delicious crepes and galettes, traditional delicacies from the Brittany region of Northern France.
Support a Devon town’s high street
As well as the festival stalls, all the town’s shops are open, so there’s even more to explore and discover. Bovey has a good collection of independent shops, including The Cheese Shed. This excellent cheese emporium is a co-organiser of the Nourish festival. There are craft workshops taking place at Pom Stitch Tassel, which also sells craft kits. Owner Emma Rendell says that the festival, ‘puts us on the map as a fabulous place to visit.’
Listen to live music
Union Square, in the centre of Bovey Tracey, will be the stage for live music throughout the festival. The music programme will feature an eclectic line-up of local, talented musicians including The Neil Burns Jazz Trio. Known for their funky, Bebop, hard swinging, modern jazz, they’re sure to get the crowds in a great mood. All music performances this year are free non-ticket events.
Join a celebration of community
‘What could be better than good food, craft and music to bring the community together?’ says Sheila Brooke, mayor of Bovey Tracey. ‘The town council is proud to host Nourish, and it’s supported by residents who volunteer with marshalling, setting up the stalls, and helping to clear away. Local businesses also benefit from the increased footfall in the town. It’s great to see visitors from across the country and many choose to stay locally.’
It’s all free
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Nourish Festival is totally free for everyone to enjoy. The festival was created to celebrate local food, drink, music, and crafts and it’s run as a community initiative by Craft Festival and The Cheese Shed.
Sarah James Craft Festival director says: ‘Craft Festival is a not-for-profit business. We organise Nourish Festival to say thank you to local people for their support of Craft Festival which takes place each June in Bovey,’
Nourish Festival takes place on Saturday, September 9, 10am to 5pm
