Forth Valley Food Festival returns

​The second Forth Valley Food Festival has something for everyone -- from wild cocktails to foraged pizzas.

The festival takes place from 11-20 October during the October school break, with a host of activities to entertain the kids including pumpkin picking and exploring the kale maze at Arnprior Pumpkins to meeting the goats and foraging for your own pizza toppings at Gartur Stitch Farm in Port of Menteith.

Other events include making your own wild cocktails at the Forth Inn in Aberfoyle, a garden tour of Tomnah'a Market Garden and October Chilli Feast and Film at The Old Mill Restaurant in Killearn.   

The 10-day festival is organised by Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER in conjuction with Stirling Council. It aims to shine a spotlight on the people who grow and produce food locally, as well as the businesses that serve and sell local food and drink.  

Douglas Johnston, Chair of the local LEADER programme, said:

"The festival offers a taste of Forth Valley’s local larder, which is bursting with fantastic food and drink produce. We want to help locals and tourists discover the delights on our doorstep by connecting them with our local food makers and growers. This year we’ve made it even easier to explore the area, with a special festival food trail map."

Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Cllr Margaret Brisley commented on the importance of food and drink to the local economy:

"This festival is a superb showcase of our vibrant and thriving food and drink sector, serving up a wide range of activities and tasty treats for families to sample. I am thrilled it’s returning for a second offering and we will continue collaborating with partners to stage exciting events like this to strengthen this important area of Stirling’s economy."

Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Alison Laurie added:

"The Forth Valley Food Festival allows residents and tourists the opportunity to experience, explore and taste local flavours and boosts our ambition to become a must-visit destination for food and drink. With such a diverse variety of events taking place in urban and rural Stirling, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and I am sure it will prove to be another great success."

Get more information and a full list of events.