The event has been devised by head of the BBC’s national radio production unit Clare McGinn, following its broadcaster's announcement last year that Bristol is to be its first official partnership city. Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England have all been announced as festival partners.
Standalone venues around the city will be hosting events along with numerous pop-up markets and demonstrations. The BBC Food and Farming Awards will kick-start the event on 1 May, before the launch party at the Eat Drink Bristol Fashion tepee village in Queen’s Square.
Science centre At Bristol, art gallery the Arnolfini and cultural hub the Watershed will also host foodie events. Global food charity Slow Food will take up residence on College Green, raising awareness of the importance of locally-sourced ingredients.
Celebrity chefs Tom Kerridge, Ken Hom and MasterChef’s John Torrode will be be demonstrating their skills at the BBC At Bristol Food Connections pop-up in Waterfront Square. Further out of the city centre, the Sikh temple will be opening its doors to the public for a tasting session.
Lorna Knapman, curator of Bristol Food Connections, said: "There’s no doubt that Bristol has emerged one of the UK’s most exciting cities when it comes to food. We have a laid-back, inclusive and innovative food culture that’s very representative of the city as a whole.
"For 11 days this May the whole city will come together to enjoy good food and the bank holiday celebrations will kick it all off in style."
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