Ramsbottom gears up for inaugural Pie Festival

Local foodie-heaven Ramsbottom will be hosting an inaugural Pie Festival on 7 July at St Paul’s Church, Bridge Street from 10.30am.

There will be stalls selling locally produced quality sweet and savoury pies, a ‘how many can you eat’ competition, a 'best pie', fete games, live bands, barbecue, entertainment and more.

Organisers of the event are calling on all budding pastry chefs to submit their 'best pie' into the Pie Festival competition. The competition has four categories:

* Children's (12 years and under)

* Sweet

* Savoury

* and Restaurant-class (open to restaurants, pubs, cafes and local businesses).

Winners of the categories will be entered into the ‘Pie-off’ where award-winning chef Chris Yates, from The Shoulder of Mutton and The Pack Horse pubs, will judge the finalists and be presented with their prize by the Mayor of Bury. Prizes up for grabs include a night’s stay for two, including a three-course evening meal, at The Old Mill Hotel, and cooking paraphernalia courtesy of Eclectic Housewares of Ramsbottom.

To enter, email towncentresteam@bury.gov.uk for an entry form to be returned by 5pm on 1 July. A £2 entry fee is payable on the day.

Margaret Lees, of Park Farm and a member of Ramsbottom Business Group, said: "Having a Pie Festival in Ramsbottom is a wonderful idea, celebrating this Great British tradition - the pie. The festival can only add to Ramsbottom’s appeal as a local food lovers’ destination. We are extremely happy to support the event and support the vibrant town of Ramsbottom."

Follow @PieFestival on Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news in the run up to the festival.

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 June 2013.