Over 50 producers to showcase food, drink and crafts at ‘must-attend’ Taste North
Organisers of Taste North say the annual one-day festival has become a “must-attend” event in the far north as they prepare to host more than 50 food, drink and craft producers this weekend.
A larger exhibitor marketplace and the return of celebrity chef Tony Singh should attract another bumper crowd to Wick High School, after a turnout of over 1700 last year.
Organised by Venture North, the destination management organisation for Caithness and Sutherland, the event takes place on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Taste North 2024 will see 17 new exhibitors from across the north Highlands and beyond, including Watten-based Kat’s Kaithness Tipple with fruit boba teas, artisan sauerkraut producer Cruciferous Croft from Lochinver, Struie Hill Preserves and Orkney Marshmallows as well as wooden kitchenware maker Fodderty Woodturning from Dingwall.
Award-winning businesses from around Caithness and Sutherland taking part include 8 Doors Distillery from John O’Groats, winner of the Artisan Product of the Year award at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2024; Cakes & Bakes at Comlifoot, which received a highly commended recognition in the Young Business of the Year category at the Caithness Chamber of Commerce 50th annual dinner and awards ceremony; and Candles from the Croft in Altass, whose owner Sandie Gordon took the young entrepreneur award at the Celebrating Small Business Awards organised by the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland.
Also new for this year is a chance to win hampers filled with food, drink and craft prizes donated by many of the Taste North producers.
Taste North event coordinator Nicola Macleod, of NJDinspired Events Management, said: “Taste North has grown tremendously over the years, and it’s incredible to see new exhibitors joining us to showcase the best of what our region has to offer as well as welcoming exhibitors from further afield.
“We’re so grateful for the unwavering support of our local community, whose enthusiasm and attendance have made this event a true celebration of local talent and exceptional produce. Together, we continue to make Taste North a memorable experience year after year.”
Tony Singh MBE starred at Taste North 2018 in John O’Groats and says he can’t wait to come back for this year’s event.
He will be presenting his chef demonstrations in the cookery theatre. At 11.30am, his first creation will be a lamb vhura with dal and spiced onions. For his second session, at 2.30pm, Tony will cook haddock with lime and ginger butter, Bombay aloo and tamarind peas.
Simon Collier from Mr C’s Bar in Thurso will be shaking and stirring local ingredients in a cocktail masterclass at 1pm.
The winners’ announcement for the Taste North Challenge will take place with Tony Singh in the games hall at 1.45pm.
This year, the challenge has a commercial operator category alongside the 15-and-under, 16-24 and open categories.
The Fundraising for RISE Dance Academy Dancers group will offer activities such as face-painting, games and a tombola.
The inaugural Taste North was held in October 2015 at Ackergill Tower.
The 2023 event achieved recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards, in the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival category.
Cathy Earnshaw, Venture North’s destination strategy manager, said: “Taste North has become a ‘must-attend’ annual festival in the far north.
“We were honoured this year to be a finalist in the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards alongside the amazing Orkney Folk Festival and Eilean Dorcha Festival.
“Taste North goes from strength to strength with all our local supporters and hard-working organising committee. We can’t wait to welcome even more exhibitors this weekend and we’re already planning with excitement for 2025, which will be Taste North’s 10th anniversary.
“We want to celebrate in style, so drop by the front desk and let us know any ideas for us to make our celebrations bigger and better to showcase our delicious and regional food and drink.”
More details about Taste North, including the full exhibitor line-up and cookery theatre programme, can be seen on the Venture North website.
Taste North and the celebrity demonstrations are free to attend. Funding and sponsorship has come from RWE Camster Wind Farm Community Fund, Stroupster Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and Bad á Cheò Wind Farm Community Fund (Latheron, Lybster and Clyth), all administered by Foundation Scotland, NRS Dounreay, Developing the Young Workforce North Highland, Dunrobin Castle and Mackays Hotel, Wick.
Taste North is managed by Venture North.
