THE popular Middlesbrough Town Meal is just around the corner – and there’s lots of ways to get involved.
Organisers are on the look-out for teams to take part in a Human Table Football League at the event on Saturday, July 1 in Centre Square.
Five primary schools are already signed up, and it’s hoped they’ll be joined by other under-11 teams from youth clubs, Cubs, Brownies and other recognised organisations.
There’s a cup and a plate up for grabs – and those taking part are sure to work up a hearty appetite for the main event which features tasty treats from across the town.
The Town Meal is a celebration of the growing projects that have run throughout the year, with community groups and individual families reaping the rewards of growing their own fruit and vegetables in locations across the town.
MEC are inviting growers of fruit and vegetables to donate produce to be enjoyed at one of the landmark dates on the town’s calendar.
Donations of this produce go towards the fabulous meal which is shared and enjoyed by all involved.
Growers are also invited to retain their best specimens to enter into the produce competition which is open to all and includes categories for a cake containing a vegetable and jams, chutneys and pickles.
The afternoon’s entertainment will also feature the Bilsdale Silver Band along with children from the Captain Cook and Hemlington Hall school choirs, and nostalgia fans will be able to take a 1976 double decker bus ride to North Ormesby and the Transporter Bridge.
The Fire Brigade will be in attendance with their chip pan fire demonstration and St John Ambulance and Cleveland Police will also have vehicles on display.
In addition to the Human Table Football, a range of children’s entertainment will include pony rides, bouncy castles, Punch and Judy, KMX Karts and a boxing ring which are all free to play on.
The event has garnered celebrity attention, with top chef Raymond Blanc paying tribute to a truly innovative community initiative: “This is certainly a great way to involve all the community – what a great event.
“I love that so many people have played their part – growing and sharing from their allotments, offering their local produce with their neighbours.”
Middlesbrough Environment City Chair Councillor Julia Rostron said: “The Town Meal goes from strength to strength, and is a fantastic showcase for the many great growing projects right across Middlesbrough.
“They’re all about producing healthy food that’s fun to create and great value, and the Town Meal is a chance for the growers to see produce from their allotments, plots and planters enjoyed by their fellow residents.
“It’s one of the great days out on the town’s calendar, and I’d encourage everyone to come along and try some great local food in a fantastic setting.”
- The 2017 Middlesbrough Town Meal takes place on Saturday, July 1 from noon to 4pm in Centre Square, Middlesbrough.
For more information or to find out about donating produce please call Middlesbrough Environment City on 01642 579820 or visit our web site www.menvcity.org.uk