2022 Food and Drink Festival packs out Littleborough as popular event returns for first time since before the pandemic

Date published: 14 June 2022

Littleborough was buzzing with the packed-out return of the annual Food and Drink Festival on Saturday 11 June.

The first festival since 2019, saw shops around Littleborough playing host to a range of stalls, with delectable treats filling Hare Hill Road and Victoria Street.

Local shops, cafés and businesses joined in and welcomed people with tasters, games and entertainment.

A wide range of delicious foods were available throughout the town from the likes of local restaurant Riva Italian, local coffee house Busy Beans and The Gin Joint. Cookery demonstrations were also provided by Graham Sherwin and his team from Riva, and Littleborough Coach House held their popular craft fair.

Entertainment was provided throughout the day by Wardle Junior Blast with Lee Rigg, The Jager Maestros Oompah Band, Dakota North BAND plus energetic Zumba with Caroline Longden.

Back by popular demand, little chefs also learned how to make tasty treats at cookery classes by Cook Stars Rossendale and Blackburn, children’s crafts took place at Star Tree Studio and many faces were painted by Vix Facepainting.

Organised by LEAF, the Littleborough Events and Associations Forum, the event was sponsored this year by Graham Poole Road Transport, Riva Italian and The Star Tree Studio, with funding from the council’s Pennine Township Fund and the Crook Hill Community Benefit Fund.

Simon France, of LEAF, said: “Today has been a fantastic day. The atmosphere here was amazing and everyone was having a wonderful time. We've had a two-year absence due to the pandemic and I think people have missed it.

“The support from the council and the Littleborough councillors has been brilliant and we couldn't have done it without the many volunteers who helped out on the day. I'd also like to thank Graham Poole Transport, The Riva and The Star Tree Studio for sponsoring the event and providing practical support.

“We are grateful to funders Pennines Township Fund and Crook Hill Community Benefit Fund.”