St Ives Food and Drink Festival Update

St Ives is set to witness a transformation of its beloved Food and Drink Festival, as announced by St Ives Business Improvement District (BID). After a successful five-year term managed by ILOW, the festival is taking a break in 2024 to implement significant changes and improvements. The local Community Interest Company (CIC), which owns the festival, is gearing up to bring it back with a fresh approach in 2025.

ILOW expressed gratitude towards the Committee, St Ives BID, attendees, sponsors, traders, chefs, musicians, performers, staff, suppliers, local residents, and Porthminster Beach Café for making the past events memorable. Although details of the revamped festival are still under wraps, the organisers have hinted at a return to the festival’s community roots. The 2025 edition promises to focus more on local food, produce, music, and fringe events, moving away from its previously commercial content.

St Ives BID emphasised the importance of community support for the festival, which requires over £100,000 for infrastructure, staffing, music, and other essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. In light of this, St Ives businesses are being called upon to play a pivotal role in the festival’s resurgence. The BID is appealing to local businesses to participate in fundraising efforts or help raise the profile of the festival.

To maintain the spirit of the festival in 2024, businesses are encouraged to host ‘Food Festival Taster Sessions’ or ‘Food Festival at your table’ events during what would have been the festival dates, from 17th to 19th May. Participants will be featured on a St Ives Food Festival Trail map. Additionally, chefs and venues interested in supporting the festival through fundraising activities like chef demos or tasting menus are invited to contribute, with a portion of the profits donated to the CIC.

St Ives BID assures that these initiatives in 2024 will pave the way for a rejuvenated and community-focused festival in 2025. Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye on the festival’s official website and St Ives’ social media for updates and announcements regarding fundraising events and other preparations.

For more information and to stay updated on the festival’s progress, visit www.stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.