Bristol Food Connections Festival

Bristol Food Network ran the Bristol Food Connections festival in 2014, 15 & 16. In 2017 a new independent organisation was set up to run the festival, Food Connections CIC.

In 2014 & 15 Bristol Food Network Directors Lorna Knapman and Sid Sharma, along with a crack team of passionate food activists and professionals, organised and curated the Bristol Food Connections Festival. In 2016, Lorna stepped down, and Aine Morris took over as Festival Manager. Below is a summary of what Bristol Food Network were trying to achieve by running the event.

Bristol Food Connections is a unique, citywide food festival that celebrated Bristol’s diverse food culture and community. Visitors of all ages were taken on a journey through the city to discover and enjoy new foods, eateries, discussions and opportunities. 

WHAT?

Food Connections aimed to change how we think about food and how we eat by ‘Bringing people and good food together’ and by celebrating the people, the produce and the projectsputting Bristol on the map as a sustainable food capital. 

All over Bristol, dozens of individuals, groups, organisations and businesses – united by their passion for good food – came together to stage a food event unlike any other.

The flagship food event for Bristol 2015, European Green Capital, Food Connections  comprised over 130 events all over the city divided into six themes: land and growing, wellbeing, feasting and festivities, get cooking, brain food and families.

WHY?

Bristol is an inspirational city when it comes to food. The diversity of communities and food cultures in the city made Bristol the ideal location for a collaborative event of this kind.

From farmers’ markets and local shops to BBC Food, independent restaurants, growers, bakeries, butchers and writers – there’s a lot going on and it deserves to be recognised and celebrated!

The festival joined the dots and connected people with good food – food that is good for you, good for the environment and good for the local economy.

HOW?

By bringing people together and highlighting the good food projects already happening throughout the city. Events showcased and highlighted some of the small changes we can make that can have a real impact on our health, our environment and our local economy.

But more than anything the festival was FUN! Good food IS fun – it’s about sharing, collaborating, talking and eating together.

WHO?

Full support and involvement from the BBC, Bristol City Council, UWE, Bristol University and other Bristol institutions made Food Connections a citywide success that inspired, entertained and connected people with good food