South West producers and catering outlets can now book their place at the 2011 Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink. The festival gives South West producers and outlets the chance to sell their wares over a three day period within the grounds of Exeter Castle and surrounding Northernhay Gardens.

More than 15,000 people visited the festival in 2010. Coinciding with the Royal Wedding, the Friday of the 2011 festival will be a huge royal celebration offering exhibitors a one-off opportunity to make the most of the extended bank holiday weekend and showcase their products to the thousands expected to attend to celebrate the big day.

The 2010 event was the most successful in the festival’s history with more than 100 exhibitors joining celebrities and the region’s leading chefs to pull in the crowds.  Gate revenue was up by at least 20 per cent on 2009 figures.

Festival Chairman and Board Director Derek Phillips said: “The 2010 event was, by common consent, better than ever. We were blessed by great weather which helped create an amazing atmosphere and now very much look forward to the 2011 festival.”

Simon Wood, manager at The Well Hung Meat Company said: “We’ve been exhibiting at the festival for the last four years and we keep coming back as we get such a great response from visitors.”