ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVAL SEASON
ASHFOOD ! 2024
FOODIE DELIGHT SET TO RETURN TO THE HEART OF ASHFORD THIS SUMMER : ASHFOOD ! ASHFORD ’ S FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL IS COMING BACK TO ELWICK PLACE THIS JUNE . HERE ’ S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT …
Celebrating the finest in produce from Ashford and beyond , this summer sees Ashford ’ s popular ASHFOOD ! festival return to the heart of the bustling market town as part of the Ashford Food & Drink Festival .
2023 ’ s inaugural event brought crowds from around Ashford and beyond to sample some of the best in Kentish culinary delights , and this year ’ s festival is set to be bigger and better than before .
Taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June 2024 , ( 12pm-6pm on Saturday and 12pm- 4pm on Sunday ), ASHFOOD ! sponsored by Girlings , will bring together local food , drink , entertainment and fun to create an unforgettable weekend that the whole family will enjoy .
Head to Elwick Place ’ s Piazza and soak up the sun ( well , one can hope ) and the electric atmosphere .
Be wowed with every sip courtesy of World Margarita 2024 finalist Lexi from Hide bar , get your tonic at the ready for Silent Pool Gin and prepare for an African-Caribbean spice fix courtesy of Jay ’ s Soul Food . Fancy something different ? Godmersham Grill have you covered with their tempting range of venison and beef burgers and wild boar and pork hot dogs , and how about getting shucking with the Oyster Buoys ? Coffee will be on hand thanks to Caffeine and Fizz ’ s iconic pink coffee truck , while your sweet tooth will be taken care of by Abbi ’ s Cakes and the return of the legendary Cookie Man !
As well as two days of stalls offering sweet and savoury treats and drink vendors pouring out the perfect serves that you can sip and savour in the summer sunshine , there ’ ll also be a full agenda of live music , performances and activities , too .
Saturday 29 June sees music from local musicians and DJs , while on Sunday 30th June , local dance and performing arts groups including Liv2Dance and Towers School Performing Arts will take to the stage . Local sibling duo The Rec are set to return with their acclaimed acoustic set , joining new for 2024 act , Ashford Sings alongside classic chart sets from Elwick favourite , DJ JG !
ASHFOOD ! offers something for everyone and the kids will be captivated by the free crafts and activities taking place over both days . Add to that face painting and the real challenge might be getting them to want to go home as the event ends .
Elwick Place ’ s own food and drink establishments and entertainment spaces will all be getting involved in the action too . Check out some tasty treats from The Ashford Cinema , enter a new reality courtesy of Ashford ’ s only dedicated VR centre , Virtual Recreation , and try your hand at all the sports fun with Matches Sports Bar .
Of course , due to its prominent location in Elwick Place , ASHFOOD ! is perfectly situated for visitors to come from far and wide as well as from the local area . Just a five minute walk from Ashford International Station , spend the day imbibing and indulging before hopping on a train home .
With more exciting talent and treats to be announced , this weekend of culinary fun is one not to be missed .
www . ashfood . co . uk @ elwickplace
52 • www . insidekent . co . uk