Honiton Gate to Plate brings a buzz to the High Street
By Philippa Davies 17th Sep 2021
A big turnout at Honiton Gate to Plate brought a real buzz to the High Street on Saturday, August 21.
The town centre hosted more than 50 local food and drink producers, plus sponsors Jurassic Fibre, strolling entertainers and music from Court Productions outside Honiton Family Church from 10am until 4pm.
Head of Sparkle, Sarah Milner Simonds, said: "This was our first year delivering Honiton Gate to Plate and it was wonderful to have such a great turnout. The feedback from native businesses was that their tills were ringing all day and that this was the busiest the High Street had been since lockdowns began in spring 2020.
"We had 11 cancellations in the days running up to the event due to pings from Track and Trace, which meant we had a few gaps on the day, but we know that the producers who were able to trade had lots of great conversations and sales.
"We are sorry that some sold out early in the day - but we think the dire weather forecast meant people came early to beat the forecasted rain.
"It was great hearing from visitors how they had invited friends and family to join them for the weekend and how they love having a festival on their doorstep. We want to be a good neighbour and we extend our thanks to those who live and work in the town centre for their warm welcome and encouragement."
Head of SpreadSheets Bev Milner Simonds said: "It was really nice to work alongside the old and new market managers, the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce to deliver this event.
"Thank you to Jurassic Fibre, Bradleys Estate Agents, Honiton Town Council and East Devon Council for their support.
"We will be on the hunt and encouraging more Devon and Dorset producers to apply to trade in 2022 - we open for applications in early November and offer a lot of support for businesses who are new to market trading.
"We were so pleased we dodged the weather that was forecast and it was wonderful to see the High Street full of smiling faces and wagging tails, topped with blue skies.
"Thank you Honiton and see you on Saturday 20 August 2022."
Cllr Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for economy, asset management and regeneration said: "East Devon District Council is committed to supporting our local producers who continue to provide food and drink of the highest quality despite the enormous challenges of the last 18 months.
"We're proud to have sponsored Saturday's success after establishing Honiton Gate to Plate in 2018 and promoting local ownership to ensure such valuable events thrive. We continue to support this essential and celebrated part of our economy."
If you can't wait until next year to buy again from the Honiton Gate to Plate producers, you can find many of them at eat:Tiverton on 26 Sept, eat:Teignmouth on 16 October and eat:Taunton on 27 November.
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