Successful day at inaugural Axminster Gate to Plate

Earlier this month Axminster hosted over 65 food and drink producers alongside a varied entertainment programme at the inaugural Axminster Gate to Plate festival.

Funded by East Devon District Council and delivered by award-winning organisers, eat:Festivals, the festival aimed to bring footfall back into the town centre, showcase the local businesses and introduce visitors to micro and small food and drink producers from the surrounding area. Over 7,000 people attended over the course of the day and plans are in hand for a return on Monday 27 May 2024

Councillor Matt Hall, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: “What a fantastic event! Thanks to everyone who came along. Axminster was absolutely buzzing with so many visitors all around the town.

We were delighted to sponsor Axminster’s first ever Gate to Plate event and we hope it is the first of many more. This event has put Axminster’s local growers, producers, and makers firmly on the foodie map.

Stall holders were delighted to meet new and existing customers so late in the season. We can all continue to support local businesses if we buy local because it is good for local firms, protects jobs, and is good for the environment too!

“The Town Council was delighted to see so many visitors in the town for this inaugural Gate to Plate event and we were also grateful for the opportunity to promote the work of the Council as one of the many stallholders present on the day.

Blessed with wonderful weather, the event showcased everything that we love about the town, and we hope that everyone attending took away something special and will be coming back soon to Axminster in the near future to explore our shops, our cafes and all else that we have to offer.”

Sarah Milner Simonds, head of sparkle at eat:Festivals said: “It was a real pleasure curating this new festival in Axminster. There was lots of interest locally and this transferred into big crowds visiting.

"There was lots of anecdotal feedback about people visiting Axminster for the first time and committing to return to explore more.

"We want to thank our team of performers and the producers for bringing such incredible produce and East Devon District Council for backing this first festival. We are looking forward to returning with even more great food & drink in 2024.”