Shropshire Star

Hundreds turn out for Wellington's Wrekin Eatin' food festival on scorching day of delicious delights

Hundreds of people turned out for the Wrekin Eatin' food festival on a scorching day of delicious delights.

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The event was held at Wellington Cricket Club for the second year running, with a packed line-up of producers, activities and entertainment for all ages.

The festival took place on Sunday (July 13) at the club's ground, with roasting temperatures on one of the hottest days of the year.

Relaxing in the sun at the Wrekin Eatin' festival.
Relaxing in the sun at the Wrekin Eatin' festival

A host of local producers were present, along with food stalls, and live music in what organisers were describing as 'the biggest beer garden in Wellington for the day'.

Jocelyn Scanlan and her brother Tommy enjoying their ice creams at the Wrekin Eatin' food festival.
Jocelyn Scanlan and her brother Tommy enjoying their ice creams at the Wrekin Eatin' food festival

As well as the more traditional entertainment the day also included a hot sauce competition run by Wellington firm 'Ledders Sauce Company'.

Wellington Cricket Club hosted the Wrekin Eatin' Festival on Sunday
Wellington Cricket Club hosted the Wrekin Eatin' Festival on Sunday

The competitors were challenged to eat eight hot dogs: seven loaded with Ledders Extreme sauce, made with Scotch Bonnet chillies; and one 'joker in the pack' topped with the firm's 'Reapers Revenge' - made with Scotch Bonnets and the notorious 'Carolina Reaper'.

A martial arts demonstration at the event.
A martial arts demonstration at the event

Fittingly Wellington Cricket Club's own club captain Matthew Stinson was the winner - despite admitting that he was not a fan of hot food.

Wellington Cricket Club hosted the Wrekin Eatin' Festival on Sunday.
Wellington Cricket Club hosted the Wrekin Eatin' Festival on Sunday

Anywhere up to 2,000 people turned out for the event, which had grown since its debut last year.

Wellington Cricket Club hosted the Wrekin Eatin' Festival on Sunday.
Wellington Cricket Club hosted the Wrekin Eatin' Festival on Sunday.

Club secretary David Ross said they were delighted with the way it had gone, and that it had "exceeded expectations".

Geoffrey and Linda Evans tuck in at the Wrekin Eatin' festival.
Geoffrey and Linda Evans tuck in at the Wrekin Eatin' festival

He said: "We were really pleased. It was a super event, everyone seemed to have a really good time and we have had some great feedback."

Colin Ledsom from Wellington who set up Ledders Sauce Company.
Colin Ledsom from Wellington who set up Ledders Sauce Company

Mr Ross said the atmosphere throughout the day had been great.

The Wrekin Eatin' event at Wellington Cricket Club.
The Wrekin Eatin' event at Wellington Cricket Club

He said: "There were lots of families and kids there enjoying themselves during the day and the afternoon and then you had the older crowd for the evening with live music."

Stewart Jackson, who has recently set up Mr Jacko's Pick 'n' mix, was one of the stallholders at the Wrekin Eatin' festival.
Stewart Jackson, who has recently set up Mr Jacko's Pick 'n' mix, was one of the stallholders at the Wrekin Eatin' festival

Mr Ross said they would now be looking ahead to next year, hoping to continue the event's success.

George Evans from The Shropshire Macaron at the Wrekin Eatin' food festival.
George Evans from The Shropshire Macaron at the Wrekin Eatin' food festival

He said: "We will be looking to go even better next year because I think there is a real opportunity for a food festival in Wellington using local suppliers."

Mr Ross thanked the volunteer team which had helped with the event, along with Wellington Rotary Club which had helped supervise the bouncy castles on the site.

Any organisations interested in being involved in next year's event can e-mail events@wellingtoncc.co.uk.