Ledbury sizzles with local food, drink, poetry, music, dance and heritage

Gerry from Friday Beer photo by Griff Holliday

Ledbury marked the last day of the Ledbury Poetry Festival on Sunday 8th July with a special sizzling and very well attended High Street festival.

Locals and visitors joined in the hot summer sun to enjoy a street market of local food and drink supplied by 30 local producers and organised by Ledbury Food Group celebrating our unique local food offerings. Al fresco eating was on offer but with the hot sun many favoured the shade areas provided by the Nest and Dragon Orchard. The local ice cream was especially popular, and other stall holders sold out.

Busy Stallholders Ledbury Celebration 2018 photo by Griff Holliday

Ledbury Poetry Festival produced a diverse programme of entertainment featuring poets, jazz, and acappella singing. Dance 365 put on a vibrant display under the Market House, Ledbury Youth Theatre brought colour and energy and LADS provided drama and mystery. Plus a Spanish student danced Flamenco transfixing the High Street, and Ledbury Fringe performers “popped up”..

Joined Up Heritage arranged a fabulous display of heritage classic cars which shone in the sun. Visitors were charmed by the exhibition of artwork in the Market House organised by Ledbury Youth Council and produced by pupils of Ledbury Primary School featuring “My Favourite Meal”.

Cllr Nina Shields visiting Pearson’s Cider Co photo by Jan Long

Councillor Nina Shields, Chairman of Ledbury Town Council said, “What a pleasure to meet so many talented local people supplying delicious, artisan foods and drinks. The stories behind some of the business start-ups were inspiring. I am delighted that Ledbury Town Council was able to co-sponsor this popular event.”

Phillippa Slinger of Ledbury Poetry Festival said, ““What a super day! To see so many Ledburians out in the heat mixing and mingling with international poets and poetry visitors is testimony to the cohesion and togetherness the Poetry Festival brings. We were thrilled to see so many people joining in, taking part and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere this year was fantastic!”

Griff Holliday for Ledbury Food Group thanks all those who, by taking part or by visiting the event, had made the day so successful on such a hot day.

Busy High Street Ledbury Celebration 2018 photo by Jan Long