The best of the best

Of all the events staged year on year that describe the Christchurch unique offering you would have to go far to better the Christchurch food festival. This May will see, as last year over 70k people visiting the Borough over the month to sample the delights of our eateries, the two day food market that takes over the town centre and the new and now extended bake days on the Quomps. On Monday night I attended the 'Best of the Best' awards at the Regent Centre together with hundreds of people, young and old(mainly young actually) and revelled in the enthusiasm and vibrancy of those representing the catering industry of Christchurch. Tough times yes but to see everyone suited and booted, black tie and posh frocks giving it their all as the names of the hostelries were read out was just great. What a contribution these volunteers make who organise the event, the sponsors that pay for it especially as the whole program has hit the schools in a big way. Taking cookery classes to schools in the build up to the big week and getting kids involved early is real innovation and very impressive. Christchurch Borough Council do their bit also and see the event as pivotal to their program of attracting new economic growth to the area. All to improve the experience of 'destination Christchurch' I had a great time, I wish Top Gear could have seen it!