Dundee Food Festival declared a resounding success as 17,000 descend on City of Discovery

Around 17,000 Tayside food and drink fans braced all weathers this weekend in support of the inaugural Dundee Food Festival.

Visitors got their foodie fix at the city’s latest cultural event which took place on Saturday and Sunday (6-7 July). The celebration saw thousands enjoy a multitude of free and paid-for activities across the city centre and put the city’s vibrant food, drink and hospitality sector into the spotlight.

From food markets and chefs on stilts at City Square, to a picnic in the park at Slessor Gardens with the Eden Project, not forgetting sold-out dining events at V&A Dundee, the city was bursting with inspiration and culinary delights.

The street food extravaganza at the Waterfront and in City Square saw hundreds of dishes be sold over the weekend with many vendors selling out, while fringe events including Rock the Dock at Discovery Point and a special screening of the Big Night at DCA provided further chances to enjoy the festival.

Organised by Dundee City Council in collaboration with local partners including the Eden Project, V&A Dundee, James Hutton Institute and Eat and Drink Dundee, the celebration featured over 45 local businesses and boasted a schedule of 60 plus events.

Festival highlights included interactive workshops, talks, dedicated children’s entertainment, demonstrations, exclusive dining events and the chance to meet some of the city’s top talent. The festival’s resident seagull characters kept audiences entertained, as did local musicians and community groups.

Justin Bridgett, owner of Dundee’s Dough Dough Pizza Co was one of the street food traders pitched in City Square. His truck had a continuous line throughout the celebrations.

He said: “We had an incredible time at the event and sold out on both days. Everyone we spoke with was happy with the variety of food traders and stalls on offer. The atmosphere was great and it was a fantastic experience for all ages. We hope there’s another event next year.”

Stine Hope, organiser of vegan market, The Yard Market, was delighted to team up with Dundee Food Festival which saw multiple vendors pop-up in City Square. They included Tuskers, Serendipity, Fergie’s Kitchen, Knights Kitchen, Antojitos, Marwick’s Vegan Kitchen and Considerit.

She added: “All of the vendors we’d lined-up were very busy. Some were even slightly concerned they wouldn’t have enough food because there was so much demand, but luckily everyone managed.

“Tuskers, a Sri Lankan food business from Perth, has already messaged me to say they had an amazing time and that it was a huge hit. We are delighted to have been involved and it certainly has real potential to grow.”

Celebrating the rich and diverse food culture of Dundee and its surroundings, the festival has been hailed a success by the city council.

Dundee City Council’s Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson, said: "It was great to see people coming out to the first ever Dundee Food Festival and really enjoying themselves over the weekend.

 

"There was an excellent range of produce available. It was a real pleasure to meet the local producers and businesses and hear their stories.  A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this weekend. 

 

"Sustainability was also a key component of the festival and there was a huge effort to take this on board."

Dundee Food Festival also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, with many vendors signing up to its sustainability charter and using eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients.

Educational sessions on food waste and the benefits of sustainable eating were well-received by attendees, further enhancing the festival's commitment to promoting a greener future.

Organisers are hopeful that the event can be replicated again next year.

For more information about the Dundee Food Festival visit dundeefoodfestival.com