BBC Food & Farming Awards to open Bristol Food Connections

The BBC’s prestigious Food & Farming Awards are to be held in Bristol for the first time, at the opening of Bristol Food Connections on 1st May in St George’s Concert Hall.

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BBC’s Food and Farming Awards

The awards, which launched in 2000 to mark the 20th anniversary of Radio 4’s The Food Programme, aspire ‘to honour those who have done most to promote the cause of good food’.

This is a mission that ties in with the aims of Bristol Food Connections and will provide a fitting opener for the festivities taking place across Bristol for 11 days. Commenting on the connection, Dan Saladino, BBC Radio Producer of The Food Programme said:

“For the past fourteen years the BBC Food & Farming Awards have celebrated the very best in British food and farming and this year there’s an extra special dimension to the event; the ceremony is heading to Bristol.”

Categories for the awards include Best Takeaway or Street Food, Outstanding Farmer of the Year and Food Personality of the Year. The awards were launched on The Food Programme on Sunday 5th January.

The awards ceremony has become a major national food event that attracts some of the biggest names in food and farming; Raymond Blanc, Richard Corrigan, Charles Campion and Adam Henson will be just some of those supporting the awards in attendance in Bristol.

Dan adds:

“The fact that Bristol is playing host to the awards is special for many reasons. The city is leading the way in attempts to improve the food of its citizens with initiatives like the setting up of a food policy council. The success of the Bristol pound is enabling communities to support local food businesses in a fresh and ambitious way and a new generation of chefs, restaurateurs, bakers and food retailers are all helping to make the South West one of the most influential regions in British food. Bristol provides the perfect backdrop to these awards, and that’s exciting”.

Keep an eye on our What’s on page for more details of the exciting events taking place.