Crowds flock to 2019 Colmore Food Festival

A two-day celebration of food, drink, music and live entertainment saw thousands of people converge on the centre of Birmingham in the first weekend in July.

Crowds flocked to the 2019 Colmore Food Festival, which took place on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6. The annual event, now in its ninth year and hosted by Colmore BID, celebrates the best food and drink on offer from leisure and hospitality venues across Birmingham’s thriving commercial quarter – Colmore Business District.

This year, 28 exhibitors – including three new participating venues – took part in the Festival, offering everything from fine dining plates to fast food favourites and pub classics. All food was capped at £4 and drinks – ranging from craft ales to exotic cocktails – at £5, ensuring that everyone could enjoy a taste of what was on offer without blowing the budget.

Compere and host Phil Oldershaw oversaw the entertainment with a number of live music acts, comprising some of the city’s top up and coming talent, performing over the two days. Amongst those taking centre stage were Voice of the Town Birmingham who had recently supported pop superstars Take That on tour, and Aston Performing Arts Academy, with both acts going down a storm with the audience. Street performers and face painters also kept adults and children alike amused and entertained throughout the Festival.

As in previous years, the Festival proved highly popular, drawing hordes of hungry people keen to sample the bargain bites on offer. The weather held out too. Glorious sunshine throughout Friday contributed to the party-like atmosphere, with huge queues forming at lunchtime and after hours as office workers swelled the crowds. And while it was a little cooler on Saturday, with some rainfall at one point, spirits weren’t dampened and visitor numbers remained high throughout the day.

Local dignitaries also dropped by, including Leader of Birmingham City Council, Ian Ward who was joined by fellow councillor Brigid Jones, and the Rt Hon Liam Byrne, MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill.

The ‘Yummy Brummie’ himself, Michelin starred chef, restaurateur and TV personality, Glynn Purnell – fresh from presenting Saturday Kitchen on BBC One – also made an appearance to chat to visitors, pose for photographs and sign copies of his new children’s book based on the adventures of his late Jack Russell terrier, and one of his recipe collections.

Security for the Festival was provided by RG8, who ensured that there was a safe and welcoming environment for all, and First Mile Recycling handled the clean up operation.

Colmore BID Chief Executive Officer Michele Wilby, said:

“We’re so pleased and proud to have hosted another fantastic Food Festival, showcasing the best dishes and drinks on offer from the bakeries, bars, cafes, restaurants and other leisure and hospitality outlets across the Colmore Business District.

“There really was something on offer for everyone, both in terms of the food and drink served up and the entertainment provided. Feedback from participating venues and visitors alike has been wonderful and I think this may well be our best Festival yet!”