More than 7,000 people enjoyed a first-rate day out with glorious sunshine at The Shops at Dartington's free May Food Fair on 27-28 May. The best of Devon's food and drink scene came together, from vibrant street-food markets to artisan producers, with top chefs demonstrating recipes and offering tricks of the trade.

In addition to food activities, visitors threw their own clay pottery, enjoyed live jazz, got up close to birds of prey and were entertained by magicians, caricaturists and community groups. The summer sunshine created a contented laid-back atmosphere for visitors to relax around the Dartington Estate.

It wasn't just the summer spirit filling their air; a batch of the estate's own Elmhirst Gin was distilled in front of visitors' eyes, in the brand-new Devon Distillery launched in The Shops at Dartington Food Shop. Bottles are sold exclusively at The Shops at Dartington and online, ww.shopsatdartington.co.uk.

The Fair also launched their very first Mud Larks Fun Run – an obstacle course around the Dartington Estate for families to tackle. The course, including abseiling, a zip-line, archery and river run, was organised by Dynamic Adventures and all contributions raised went to Unity in Sport.

Barbara King, MD of The Shops at Dartington, said, “We were thrilled to see all ages come together to make the event such a magical experience. The positive feedback we've received has been incredible and we would like to thank everyone who supported as exhibitors, visitors, entertainers and those who helped behind the scenes.”

The team are now planning their Christmas Fair, which will take place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December.

The shops at Dartington operate as a social enterprise with all profits supporting the Dartington Hall Trust (a registered charity).

ENDS

DATES FOR THE DIARY

• The Shops at Dartington Christmas Fair: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December
• The Shops at Dartington May Food Festival: Sunday 26th and Monday 27th May 2019

Notes to Editor:                

1. Please find images available at the Dropbox folder: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wo4uw02jwdeclqr/AAAwSiqLbshw1plxFWBMv2qfa?dl=0 images to be credited to Nick Hook Photo.
2. Barbara King, Managing Director of The Shops at Dartington, is the Chair of Food & Drink Devon's board of directors.Founded with the aim of representing like-minded businesses dedicated to producing food and drink of the very highest quality, Food & Drink Devon works tirelessly to increase the county's profile, as well as championing its producers. 
3. A group of 15shops and cafes, located in a beautiful rural setting in a range of what once farm buildings, The Shops at Dartington is owned by the Dartington Hall Trust an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust's activities in social justice, sustainability and the arts. 
4. With a unique selection ofshops to explore, hours can be spent looking at the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women's and men's accessories, homeware, unusual gifts and furnishings as well as 'The Food Shop' which stocks 60 per cent of produce from Devon and 90 per cent from the Westcountry and 'Devon Drinks' which specialises in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the county.  There's also two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Bayards Kitchen, which both serve delicious, fresh locally sourced dishes.

For further information, photography or an interview with Barbara King, managing director of The Shops at Dartington, please contact:

Harry Wild at RAW PR & Marketing

Email: Harry@rawprandmarketing.co.uk Tel: 07540399025