Crail Food Festival set to push the boat out

Crail Food Festival returns this June with a host of activities.

And the June 10-12 event will also see a focus on the area’s fishing heritage as part of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

As well as offering the opportunity to taste fresh local seafood, the festival is this year working with the Scottish Fisheries Museum to showcase Crail’s history as a traditional fishing village.

With other activities including a new Parents’ Pitstop with a children’s tea party and storytelling in the Marine Hotel, as well as a showcase of local chocolatiers and bakers, the festival is appealing for – and to – all ages.

Now in its sixth year, events are taking place across seven historic buildings in the East Neuk burgh. The festival encourages visitors to explore a wide variety of locations, from the famous working harbour, the Town Hall – this year acting as a ticket hub – and the Legion Hall at the village’s centre to the Kirk Hall and Community Hall, where a bustling Producers’ Market is held.

Crail Food Festival celebrates the strength of Scotland’s food and drink, in particular local Fife producers with around 80 participants scheduled to take part. With the return of the Producers’ Market and a series of new Food Conversations with chefs and food insiders, visitors are given a unique opportunity to find out the stories behind what they’re eating and drinking.

A new marquee will be placed close to the market place with food served on Saturday and Sunday. More food stalls will be located at the harbour on Sunday.

This year, the entertainment carries on into the evening with a grand launch party on Friday with a smorgasbord of local produce prepared by East Neuk cooks and a quiz. This will be followed by live music from The Shiverin’ Shakes, who combine a bombastic mix of rock’n’roll, country, gospel and 1950s pop.

There is a new Saturday Flavour of Fife banquet with tasting menu, matching wine and guest appearances from local food producers.

Graham Anderson, the event manager said: “We’re so lucky to have such world class food and drink on our doorstep and when it’s combined with a setting as stunning as Crail, the experience really is truly memorable. This year’s festival programme aims to showcase our local produce whilst providing visitors with more ways than ever before to get hands-on with food and drink – tasting new flavours, finding out the stories behind what they’re eating and of course, enjoying the very best of Fife. I’d urge everyone to put the festival dates in your diary and come along!”

Crail Food Festival is supported by EventScotland, a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and Fife Council.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting the Crail Food Festival through our National Programme.

“Graham and his team have once again developed a fantastic programme of events, showcasing the very best of the region’s local produce.

“It is also fitting that the festival is part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design celebrations, offering both locals and visitors a chance to explore some of the East Neuk’s rich architectural heritage as part of the event.”

More information can be found at crailfoodfest.co.uk