For the first time, The Garlic Festival will sell tickets in advance, available exclusively through Red Funnel as the main sponsor of the event.
The popular festival, now in its 33rd year, will return from 20th – 21st August 2016 with a vast array of food and entertainment to suit all ages, including a huge theatre kitchen, children’s entertainers, archery, a giant fun-fair, live music, food and business stalls.
Fresh from making the Queen’s 90th birthday cake, Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain takes to the stage in the theatre kitchen, she joins top Island chefs and foodie experts who will showcase the best in local produce.
Thousands of people are expected to head to the festival that celebrates the Isle of Wight’s strong history with local produce. At the heart of the festival is remains Britain’s best most pungent garlic, grown on the Island at the multi-award winning Garlic Farm. Guests will discover not only garlic bulbs but garlic fudge, ice cream, popcorn, biscuits, scones, sweetcorn and mushrooms to name but a few. As well as garlic, the Island’s biggest summer show has a vast array of stalls, with treats and eats such as meats, vegetables, cheese, honey, wine, cider and juices, all produced on the Isle of Wight.
After filling their baskets and bellies with scrumptious local produce, visitors can relax and enjoy the atmosphere at the live music stage, big beer tent and straw bales. Acts already booked include; The Searchers, Jonah Lewie, The Flirtations and the Island’s own, Derek Sandy band.
Now those attending the festival will have the chance to buy their tickets in advance, perfect for anyone travelling over from the mainland. Red Funnel customers can book advance tickets and travel to the Island at www.redfunnel.co.uk/garlicfestival.
Red Funnel has a long tradition supporting local produce, and was recently awarded the Wight Marque Gold Standard for the second year in a row from the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society for dedication to sourcing locally 60% of all the produce used on board its ferries.
Red Funnel’s Tom Madge, head of marketing, said:
“With a commitment to supporting local Island produce, we are delighted to sponsor the Garlic Festival. This year we are very excited to be the only advanced ticket seller for the festival, which will ensure visitors can buy their tickets when it best suits them and in plenty of time before the festival. There’s a great line up of entertainment and tasty food from all sorts of produce sellers that we can’t wait to try.”
Garlic Festival organiser David Holmes, said:
“Having the support of Red Funnel is terrific news, the ability for visitors to book a ferry and admission ticket in advance is a real bonus.”
