A NEW event which is championing independent food and drink producers will give visitors the chance to take a trip around the world – without even leaving the North East.
The inaugural Flavours and Beats Festival will be held at Jarrow Hall, Church Bank, Jarrow, on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, with a a feast of a programme packed with fine food and music – along with the opportunity to test out the products from craft breweries and distilleries.
Festival organisers Savour Magazine and Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle (STAN), have teamed up with street food vendors Geordie Bangers – which has a range of gin and bourbon sausages – PHI Pies, which offers traditional Greek cuisine including pork and chicken gyros and vegetarian options, and Caribbean street food experts, The Calabash Tree.
Participants include Dark Steam Division, bringing along their coffee van, which will offer signature coffees along with its “grown-up” range, including coffee blends with Irish Cream, Amaretto, whisky, orange liqueur hot chocolates and expresso Martinis.
Topping the list of acts on Friday are North East cover band Rivelino and popular local band, Dead Man’s Shoes.
Confirmed for Saturday’s line up is South Shields-born Sonny, who’s making waves in the music industry after releasing his debut single, Princess, on Spotify, Soundcloud and Apple Music – and is supporting Gabrielle Aplin on her UK tour.
Sonny said: “It’s great to be coming back to my home town after travelling the country.
“I’m really looking forward to what promises to be a great event – and one that champions independents.”
Globally-recognised DJ Jay Stone, from Newcastle – who’s played alongside David Guetta, Brandon Block and The Freemasons – will bring his unique mash-up and funky style to both nights.
Georga Spottiswood, editor of Savour Magazine, said: “We’ve got some amazing talent here in the North East and we’re hosting this event to help showcase it.”
“We have an eclectic mix of musical maestros, diverse food and beers brewed here in the North East and North Yorkshire.
“We’re collaborating with Little Black Dog Beer, which is producing an American Pale Ale; New World Pale Ale and Stout specifically for Flavours and Beats.
“We’ll also feature an Around the World Gin bar with tipples from all corners of the globe, including Tarquin’s Cornish Navy SeaDog Gin – voted “Best Gin” at the San Francisco World Spirits event, which is the Oscars of the spirits world.”
Autumn Brewing Co will also be at the event, with its range of gluten-free beers for drinkers suffering from Coeliac disease. The business was set up by Peter Briggs who brews the beers in County Durham.
Spirit of Hven Organic Gin, which is made on the island of Hven in Öresund, between Denmark and Sweden, will also be available, as well as rhubarb gin and London dry gin from The Spirit of Harrogate gin company.
Andrew Watts, Chief Executive of Groundwork STAN, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Savour Magazine team for what promises to be a fantastic event showcasing some of the best talent in music, food and drink.
“Our team have been working hard behind the scenes to deliver a whole range of new events at Jarrow Hall and this promises to kick off a new era for events at the site.”
Tickets cost £6 and include a complimentary arrival drink, with the event running from 6pm to midnight. They are on sale now and can be purchased in person from Jarrow Hall Reception or online at:www.savour-magazine.co.uk