Fenland Food Festival

Thesauros in Agro - ‘for we have treasures in the field’. This was the motto of Wisbech District Council (which existed until it became part of Fenland District Council in 1974). This description is as relevant today for the area as it was then. And this is why a group of organisations in Wisbech felt something needed to be done to mark the significance of agriculture and food in the area, hence the idea of the Autumn Festival. The festival is a means to emphasise the importance of agriculture and the impact it has had on the lives of people living here, on the history of the town and the local environment. We quite simply want to celebrate autumn and all that it brings. We are seeking organisations who may wish to join with us by participating in the festival, by running their own activity. The activity could be about the heritage of farming in the area, growing and harvesting of fruit and vegetables, or how it is processed to end up being sold in supermarkets throughout the country. It could be about how farming and food have impacted our lives and the culture of the town. How different people have come to the town, both to live and work, and have become part of this heritage. Not only do we want to reflect on the past and consider the current day, but we also want look to the future, looking at technology advancement, skills development and sustainability for example. The main festival activities will take place on the weekend of 20th - 22nd of September, but any activity can be held during autumn around these dates. We hope in holding the festival it will help to build a greater understanding of the agricultural heritage of the area, create a greater sense of pride in the area due to its national importance in providing food for the country, celebrate our unique environment and finally give an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together.