Real food champion backs gravy wrestling

The man behind the globally-popular Campaign for Real Gravy has given his seal of approval to September’s first World Gravy Wrestling Championship.

Brian Rey, owner of the Fenwick Arms in Lancaster, is providing the gravy in which a host of budding wrestlers and TV stars will compete for the coveted crown.

After championing the cause of local produce for over 30 years, Brian used an appearance on hit Channel 4 show Kitchen Nightmares to help spread his message, and has since been involved in projects to help inject enthusiasm back into the traditional Sunday lunch.

Since the programme was broadcast around the globe, the Fenwick Arms has been inundated with requests and messages of support from as far a field as Brazil, New Zealand and the USA.

Now Brian is backing the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Culture to turn more people onto proper local food.

“We are lucky to have such high quality produce right on our doorstep,” said Brian. “In that respect, it is a shame that so many people don’t think twice about importing food from around the world.”

The gravy wrestling championship is expected to be the highlight of the festival, which comprises a series of events across Lancashire between September 7th and 9th, including the flamboyant Keith Floyd who will entertain at an evening of dinner and dance at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton le Moors, while at the Richmond’s brasserie in Blackburn, the town’s first lady, Margo Grimshaw, will regale a captive audience with tales of her rise from barmaid to property developer.

“I’m behind the festival all the way,” added Brian. “I’ve always dealt with real food, and always had real gravy on the menu. If this event encourages others to explore what Lancashire has to offer then it will be a very positive move.”

For more information on the festival, visit www.penninelancashirefood.co.uk and for the Campaign for Real Gravy log on to www.realgravy.co.uk

Calendar of events

Friday 7th September
Pick of the day: 7pm Lancashire Gala Dinner Dance plus Floyd Uncorked - an Audience with Keith Floyd! The Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton Le Moors
After 19 TV series and 21 books, we welcome the inimitable - the unique - Keith Floyd to entertain all at this special evening of dinner and dancing until the early hours. Dunkenhalgh chef Chris Nicholson and his team will produce the magnificent 4 course gala dinner, which will feature the best of Lancashire’s local produce. DJ and entertainment sponsored by Alltrack Promotions of Darwen. Tickets: £50

10 am: A Taste of Lancashire from Blackburn Markets, The Mall Shopping Centre
2pm: Lel Hoyle presents: Health from the Hedgerows Guided Walk and Talk
7pm: Supper with Margo, Richmond’s Brasserie, Blackburn
7:30pm If Music Be the Food… Songs and music to whet your appetite, St. Peter’s Church, Darwen

Saturday 8th September
Pick of the day: 12 noon The 1st World Gravy Wrestling Championships Supporting East Lancashire Hospice, Sainsbury’s Car Park, Darwen

9.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm-3.30pm Super chefs at Darwen Library Theatre
10am–11pm East Meets West at Cinnamon, Blackburn
10am–5pm Festival Food Market & Family Entertainment, New Market Square, Darwen Town Centre
From 10am A Taste of Lancashire at Darwen Markets
6pm. Roddlesworth Mushroom Hunt and Supper, Vaughan’s Café / Roddlesworth Information Centre
7:30pm One World Feast, Blackburn Cathedral
7:00pm Caribbean Soul Food and Cocktails Evening, Barlow Institute, Edgworth
8:30pm Comedy Club Night at Darwen Library Theatre

Sunday 9th September
Pick of the day: 11am Red Rose Cricketers vs Lancashire Chefs Challenge Match, Edgworth Cricket Club
Sponsored by Daniel Thwaites
Last year the Cricketers took the trophy in a close run game that ran into the early evening. This year the chefs are determined on revenge. The game takes place at Edgworth Cricket Club (next door to the Festival Market) and promises a late Summer afternoon of civilised sport and home made delights! Legendary Lancashire and England wicket-keeper Warren Hegg will lead out a team of celebrated cricketing and cooking friends for an afternoon of fun in the sun! Visitors can sample a typical West Pennine Afternoon Tea which features goodies made by our Lancastrian Womens’ Institutes and provided by local producers.
Admission: Included in Edgworth Festival Markets entry fee above. Afternoon Country Teas £4.50.

All day Festival Cook’s Kitchen - Live Chef Demonstrations, Edgworth Cricket Club
9am Wayoh Wake-up Walk and Breakfast, Barlow Institute, Edgworth Village
10am–4pm Festival Market 2 Outdoors at the Barlow Institute, Edgworth
10am –4pm Lel Hoyle’s Herb and Plant Fair, Barlow Institute, Edgworth Village
5pm West Pennine Woodlands and Reservoirs Walk, Strawbury Duck Inn
7pm Haunted Inn Gourmet Ghostwalk Plus Victorian supper at the Chetham Arms, Chapeltown

For further details, contact Fiona Ritchie on 01254 295580