Last-minute talks are being held in a frantic bid to save this year's Stratford-upon-Avon Food Festival after its organisers 'pulled out'. Cocker Hoop Creative left supporters 'surprised and disappointed' after announcing on Tuesday its plans to postpone the two-day event, which has attracted many thousands of foodies over the years.
Stratford-upon-Avon BID is now in discussions to see if there is any way of rescuing this year's spectacle, set to take place from Saturday, September 16. A post published on the BID's website on Tuesday said: "Today, we were made aware that Cocker Hoop Creative have taken the decision not to run the Stratford Upon Avon Food Festival due to logistical issues.
"We are surprised and disappointed that they have decided to pull out of organising the event at this eleventh hour. We are currently in talks with other possible providers to see if there is any way the event can go ahead as scheduled or at a later date."
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Sue Simkiss, event manager at Walsall-based CHC, apologised in a statement seen by CoventryLive in which she claimed the event had been 'postponed'. "This has been an extremely tough decision to make," she said, "and over the last few days we have been working with the Chief Executive of the Stratford-upon-Avon BID, our partners in the activity, in trying to find a workable solution to the issues we have raised. However, this has not been fruitful.
"As a team we have been working really hard to deliver the event for the town, in a similar vein to successful Lichfield festivals, and as such are truly upset by our decision. We will be back with the Stratford Food Festival in July 2024 bigger and better."
Cocker Hoop Creative said it would be sending out refunds to anyone who has contributed financially to the event or transferring the cash over to next year's event. But Stratford-upon-Avon BID has dismissed any suggestions it will be working with CHC on another food festival next year.
"Contrary to reports, there is no arrangement for Cocker Hoop Creative to run a BID event in Stratford in July 2024," the group said on its website. A BID spokesperson confirmed to CoventryLive that the organisation has 'no plans' to work with CHC at all next year and that it is working to ensure this year's festival goes ahead.
"We are hoping to make an announcement later this week," they said. The hugely popular annual event had been due to showcase 'a diverse and tantalising selection of stunning street food from around the world' with dozens of stalls involved.
"With every available space on Bridge Street occupied with stands and stalls serving delicious starters mains and desserts, and dreamy smells drifting down the street to tempt you - it may take a while to reach your decision on what to eat!" Google's meetup.com said in its description of the showpiece.
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