Have a taste of new local online food festival
AN ONLINE festival showcasing the best food and drink in the area has been launched by two local producers so people can enjoy perusing tasty treats from the comfort of their homes amid the coronavirus lockdown.
After many festivals and fairs were cancelled due to the outbreak, Ian Tiffen and Rob Wheeler decided to make the concept digital.
They have created the online-only SNA Food Festival, which kicks off on Friday night, where people can showcase their goods and allow customers to shop remotely.
Ian, who runs Tips&Leaves in Lyndhurst, said: “For many of us, the show season is a huge part of our business and it allows us to showcase what we do, as well as meet both new and repeat customers.
“Rob and I thought, what better way to keep us all connected and hopefully surviving than by taking the shows to the public online?”
Together with Rob, from Lymington-based Kernel Cobs, Ian is now busy setting up the website.
A fun and informal platform, it is aimed at driving sales to the producers’ own websites, with many currently offering deliveries.
It will go live on Friday night at 6pm followed by another tomorrow at the same time, which will include a Q&A.
Rob said: “All producers have to do is create a short video talking about their products as though they’re at a show, and then we will create a film that will be streamed on advertised days for the public to view.
“It’s a free service for producers, and they’re applying every day which is great.”
Each stream will last around five minutes and will feature three independent makers. They can answer any questions and interact with viewers.
Customers who buy goods will receive a list of all the SNA food exhibitors along with a discount code for future purchases.
Ian said: “It really is about supporting the producers in these uncertain times, and we’d like to do everything we can to stay connected with the public.”
To take part visit www.snafoodfestival.com. Follow @snafood_festival on Twitter and snafoodfestival on Facebook.
