Get Involved

From the outset one ingredient has been vital to the success of the Ludlow Spring Festival...

Our amazing volunteers!

Without the dozens of volunteers on duty each year we simply couldn't run our three events, the Spring Festival, The Magnalonga and the Ludlow Food Festival. Some of our volunteers have been with us since the start, but every year we need lots of new people to help with the festival. So if you feel you have the time to get involved we would really appreciate it.

You could be manning the car park, providing information to visitors, or helping out at the side of the stage.

As well as being involved in one of the world's best food festivals, there is a host of other benefits to being a volunteer - our way of saying 'thank you' for your time and effort - this can be free days out to local events and shows or being treated to 'thank you' days out such as brewery visits and picnics.

We often take a stand at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC and in exchange for a couple of hours manning our stand volunteers gain free entry to the show with plenty of time to look around.

The Food Festival was originally started to promote the producers and independant shops of Ludlow and the Marches and we have always stuck to that principal. Our bursaries helps young people and small producers further thier careers and businesses.

Run on a not-for-profit basis the festival only employs two staff (one full time and one part time). The directors of the festival give their time voluntarily.

Be part of the festival

We’re always looking for volunteers, without them the festival simply wouldn’t happen!  To give you a true flavour of what it’s all about, we spoke to two of our longest serving stewards, Vince and Hilary Bufton who now run the stewards team.

So Vince and Hilary, what’s the best thing about volunteering?

 V: Definitely the friendly atmosphere, everyone at the Festival is there to have a great time.  It’s a real pleasure to help people throughout the weekend.

H: And it’s lovely seeing all the stewards again, it’s like meeting old friends’ as some don’t live locally. For those that do, the Festival organises day trips for volunteers in between festivals, which is wonderful.

 And what keeps you coming back year after year?

 V: It’s really our way of doing something for the community we live in. 

H: Ludlow wouldn’t be the place it is without volunteers, so many events rely on them to keep going, so it’s about ensuring we don’t lose the things that make Ludlow special.

 What advice would you give anyone that’s thinking of volunteering?

 V: Don’t be frightened it really is good fun and it doesn’t matter what your talents or abilities we can always find you a job. It would also be great to have more young people involved; those that already volunteer have a great time.

H: I agree it’s fabulous fun, just make sure you dress for the weather, layers and comfortable footwear are my best tips.

 So if you feel you have the time to get involved we would REALLY appreciate it. We’ll make sure you have a full briefing beforehand so do get in touch by calling 01584 873 957 or email info@foodfestival.co.uk

 So, if you would like to be part of the Food Festival experience do contact us.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team of volunteers.

2013 What's On

Like a beer festival.... but better! With over 180 real ales, 60 local food and drink producers, live music and around 180 classic cars, do festivals come better than this?

Ludlow - the Food Town

Ludlow is well known for its fantasic food and drink but throw in the medieval castle, independent shops galore and countryside and views galore - a visitors paradise!

Marches Transport Festival

With over 180 classic and vintage cars displayed inside the castle throughout the weekend there is a vehicle for everyone!

The Secret Dinner Party

It’s not just food that we’re serious about. We’re also serious about charity. Supporting good causes is at the heart of what we do – and we’re planning a Secret Dinner Party to celebrate. The Ludlow Secret Dinner Party will take place on May 9 and September 12.

Talks and Demos

Talks and demonstrations will be run from the Inner Bailey stage throughout the weekend with many of them being 'hands-on'!

'Meet the Brewer'

Friday 10th May 5-9pm will be the chance to meet the brewersbehind our fantastic beers and to try the winning brews before they're gone!!