The history behind the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair 09 Sep

Back in 2001, due to the national outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society had to cancel the Lincolnshire Show for the first time since World War 2. A hugely important part of our annual calendar both socially and financially, we had to think fast about what we could do to reduce the impact of cancelling the show - and so the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair (then known as the Food and Drink Fair) was born.

Fast forward to November 2015, and we welcomed a record 8,500 people over the weekend to see more than 150 exhibitors, live community choirs and cookery demonstrations in the newly launched The Lincolnshire Kitchen. It's an event we're really proud of, and even though it'll be my eighth fair this year, we still have so much fun organising it! The whole event is under cover, and this year we're excited to be adding our new Santa's Workshop upstairs in the Epic Centre, dedicated to hands-on activities for children including festive cooking and baking, craft activities and animated storytelling.

We've been lucky enough to play a part in the launch of a number of fantastic local companies in the last couple of years, including Naked Marshmallow and Hope Wines. Both launched their products at the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair, now also exhibit at the Lincolnshire Show and have gone on to great success in their own rights.

We're already well into organising this year's Food and Gift Fair. Our exhibitor spots fill up quickly, with priority given to our returning businesses - many of whom have supported the event for years and years. Alongside our favourite foodies and local drink experts, we welcome a whole host of companies who make beautiful gifts, decorations and crafts as well as a few quirky finds! We pride ourselves on giving exhibitors and visitors alike a really friendly, festive experience and we've been lucky enough to receive fantastic feedback from both - but always welcome new ideas!

If you're interested in exhibiting at this year's Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair on 26 and 27 November, get in touch by giving me a call on 01522 522900 or by emailing trade@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk - but be quick!

Tickets for the 2016 Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair are now on sale, get yours here!