The award winning Ginger and Spice Festival is making a welcome return this September 2019 for a four day celebration of all things spicy during British Food Fortnight. Set in and around the centre of the medieval Shropshire town, Market Drayton, the festival celebrates the town’s culinary heritage, links to the ancient spice routes and what is thought to be the oldest gingerbread in the country!

The fun packed festival includes many inspiring festival fringe events plus an abundance of speciality food and drink with plenty of produce featuring a ginger twist! Saturday 28th September only features the Spice Exchange Street Market where visitors can journey into an exotic and fascinating world of spice, secret recipes, ancient gingerbread guilds and delicious hot & spicy street food .
The Spice Exchange Street Market will include everything from ginger teas, spicy pies, enrobed chocolate gingers, spice-infused jams, aromatic gin, local real ale, cured gourmet meats as well as a host of ginger-themed delicacies! Visitors can also watch live cookery master classes from top, regional and local chefs all at the back of the Clive and Coffyne Pub. Plus there will be educational cookery and food related activities for the little ones with Fordhall Organic Farm, The Original Biscuit Bakers and Savuer Spices! Also join in our annual gingerbread baking contest as well as our best-read head competition!

Over two days there will be a heritage spice trail and competition dedicated to exploring the town’s culinary history, including tastings in shops, cafes, the brewery, Church, Museum, Festival Drayton, Covered market and more. This is free and there will be prizes for lucky winners!

Visitors can also enjoy many festival fringe events such as live music, comedy, pop-up restaurants; foraging walks, ginger inspired competitions, talks and more.

Whilst the Spice Exchange Street Market on Saturday 28th September 2019 is free, visitors should expect to pay for some events taking place in the evening and at private venues in the town. Booking ahead for these private events is essential.

For all festival fringe events, please visit the What’s On section of the website: www.gingerandspicefest.co.uk