“Britain is hosting the Olympics for the first time since 1948, and the world will be looking at what we do, and how we do it. Thankfully, it's coming at a really great moment for British food. I'm happy to say we’ve never been more ready or able to impress. We've got fantastic food here in Britain and it's time we celebrated it, especially as we'll have the eyes of the world on us in 2012.” Jamie Oliver in Jamie's Great Britain cookbook

WHAT IS LOVE BRITISH FOOD 2012?
This year, British Food Fortnight which traditionally takes place during the autumn, runs at the same time as the Olympics under the title ‘Love British Food 2012’ (27 July to 12 August 2012). Food and sport go hand in hand and Love British Food 2012 has quickly become one of the biggest participatory events taking place during the Games. The stage is set for a huge showcase of British food when the eyes of the world are upon us.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Love British Food 2012 activities are taking place across the UK creating a patriotic foodie extravaganza alongside the summer of sport. Promotions are planned in thousands of shops, pubs and restaurants; Family Feasts are being organised in children’s centres and care homes, bringing the Olympic spirit to communities as part of the London 2012 Festival. [Full details of events in the North East are given at the end of this release.

Family Feasts – bringing the excitement of the Olympics to families and communities across the country: Sure Start Children's Centres and care homes for the elderly are making the final preparations for lots of foodie fun. Love British Food Family Feasts are being organised across the country as part of the London 2012 Festival. With a special focus on people who may feel left out of the national celebrations, the Feasts are being organised in some of Britain's most disadvantaged families and communities. The elderly are also being given the opportunity to enjoy the greatest show on earth with the help of Hallmark Care Homes which is organising spectacular Family Feasts for their residents and families. Family Feasts taking place in the North East include Evenwood Sure Start Children's Centre in Durham.

LOVE BRITISH FOOD 2012 PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL AVAILABLE TO HELP PEOPLE TAKE PART:

Love British Food 2012 promotional packs are available to order from the event’s website. Packs include a range of promotional and point-of-sale material to help people take part in the patriotic celebrations. Packs cost £10 and can be ordered on www.lovebritishfood.co.uk. Or contact the event organisers on E: info@lovebritishfood.co.uk or T: 020 78409292.
Events in the North East confirmed to date (further details available on www.lovebritishfood.co.uk) include:

Gibside Food and Craft Market: 4th Aug
Tasty seasonal produce and high quality crafts from local farmers and producers on the first and third Saturday every month. Free entry and dogs on leads are welcome! Contact gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk

Evenwood Children's Centre, Durham: 9th Aug
Evenwood Children’s Centre will be holding a Love British Food Family Feast as part of the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival. See http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/family-feasts/ for more details. Other Olympic style activities will also be held at the feast and approx. 20 adults and 30 children are expected to attend. Contact Janet.Jackson@durham.gov.uk or call 01388 830920 for more information.

Cheese Cellar holds a British Cheese Championship: 27th July – 12th Aug
Cheese Cellar is a Love British Food 2012 member and is holding a British Cheese Championship for customers during the event! They are looking for the best British cheese displays over Love British Food 2012 and the best display will win a hamper of British goodies! Customers can enter into two different categories (Best British cheese board and Best British counter) by sending photos of their displays to britishcheese@cheesecellar.co.uk. For media enquires please contact Vicky.Adams@cheesecellar.co.uk

Cottage Delight creates a delicious collection of traditional foods: 27th July – 12th Aug
Cottage Delight is a Love British Food 2012 member and this year, Cottage Delight is celebrating all things British with their delicious collection of traditional foods inspired by classic British flavours -including Sherry Trifle Jam, Spiced Damson Chutney and sauce for Fish & Chips. See http://www.cottagedelight.co.uk/ and contact Galia.Davies@cottagedelight.co.uk for more details.

SPAR stores across the UK fly the British flag for Love British Food 2012!
'SPAR are delighted to be Official Partners of British Food Fortnight and Love British Food 2012. SPAR is a group of true community retailers who already support over 2,000 local suppliers and working with Love British Food is a great way we can show our support and commitment to this. 2012 is an exciting year to celebrate the best of British and what better than through our food.' Rebecca Whitmore, Marketing Manager, SPAR UK. Some SPAR stores across North East England include:

SPAR, 236 Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, NE6 5LP
SPAR, West View, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 7AB
SPAR, 28 Park Lane, Shiremoor, Tyne & Wear, NE27 0TH
SPAR, Church Street, Winlaton, Blaydon, Tyne & Wear, NE21 6AP
For more Northumbria SPAR stores see http://www.spar.co.uk/ and for more details contact nicolette@tansor.co.uk
 

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