A festival of local food for Diss

Taste of Diss, a festival of local food, will run from 12th - 19th July in and around Diss, organised by Slow Food Waveney Valley and Diss Business Forum. Its purpose is to provide an enjoyable, high profile event for residents and visitors, while promoting local food and supporting the businesses that provide it. It will involve many parts of the community, with children’s and family events, and events run by schools and community organisations.

Taste of Diss will be launched at the Diss Farmers Market on Saturday, 12th July with street theatre, ceremony, and  fancy dress for children. Any child who comes dressed as a fruit or a vegetable will get a prize.

On Sunday, 13th July, there will be a family picnic on Fair Green, with children’s entertainment, followed by a hog roast organised by the Cock Inn.

From Monday to Friday there will be a range of events all around the area. Several restaurants are organising special meals featuring local food. There will be open days at some of the local breweries and vineyards and other producers. Community organisations are invited to arrange their own events featuring local food.

The big finale is on Saturday, 19th July, with a local food exhibition in the Diss Corn Hall, featuring a cookery competition for professionals, amateurs and children. The winners of the amateur class will get a day in London, working with the world-famous chef at the Lanesborough Hotel, and their dish will be on the menu for the day. All children entering will get a prize.

At the same time there will be a musical event in the Park, Live and Gigging, aimed at young people, with food stalls providing local food.

The growing movement towards local food is widely becoming recognised as one of the keys to a sustainable future. Not only does it cut down on food miles, but it supports independent local businesses and makes the community more resilient in times of economic hardship. Local food businesses are generally enthusiasts, providing food motivated more by quality, taste and healthy eating than by profit.

If you want to participate, as a business or a community organisation, contact Madeline Lees on 01379-642470 or Suzanne on 01379-641388. Alternatively download the application forms.