46 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 more established name and face. For that goal alone, the festival is an essential tool to shine a light on who’s who in the Suffolk area for good quality food, drinks and ingredients. So, locals know where to buy a good snack or meal and who to turn to when they want to make a top-tier meal of their own. That latter point is perhaps the most important of all for the festival organisers. Suffolk has a rich and storied farming heritage, a long and beautiful coastline and a long list of entrepreneurs looking to showcase their talents and delicacies to the local community. The festival hopes that it will An annual festival with an impressive list of goals, including promoting local entrepreneurs and their products to a wider audience. Dead set on showcasing innovations in the fields of farming and food production, with a focus on sustainability and healthy eating, the team behind the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival is the winner of the Best Local Community Support NPO 2022 for Suffolk and it is easy to see why. Established in 2006, taking place in late September each year since, the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival plays host to over 100 food and drink producers from across Suffolk. Located next to the river Alde, at Snape Maltings, it is a beautiful setting (the marshland stretching off towards Aldeburgh in the distance) for a great day out. The non-for-profit organisers had a clear vision in mind when setting up the festival nearly two decades ago: showcase and connect people with the abundance of varied and amazing food, drinks and produce in the area. Even as it has grown, that simple goal remains at the festival’s core, expanding to better showcase everything Suffolk has to offer. The festival is a lovely and necessary reminder of everything that Suffolk can provide as a premier destination for food and drink. In these troubling times, anything that supports local businesses is very welcome. The organisation relies on the support of friends and generous sponsors and donors to exist and keep delivering this exceptional event. As the price of food continues to rise and a lack of workers (particularly in catering and food production) have caused many small businesses to fold, these supporters are more essential than ever. Promoting these smaller producers and entrepreneurs keeps the local spirit alive and is both essential and encouraging. Local communities can only grow so long as those involved invest in them, and that is precisely what the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival is doing. As costs of production and transport rise, as well as the effects of both on the environment, all measures should be taken to reduce food miles and buy produce locally. Not only to reduce the carbon footprint but to support the local economy, whether that is a new starter in the industry or a Best Local Community Support NPO 2022 – Suffolk Jun22127 inspire others to cook, encouraging people to take advantage of the treasures on their doorstep. As an event free to under 16’s (and only £10 per adult if you buy in advance), it’s a wonderful day out that does a great service to the local community. The team behind it are deeply passionate about Suffolk, its beverage and produce output and those doing business there. Its example is one to be followed, across the country. Contact: Bella Scarr Company: Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival CIC Web Address: https://aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk/
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