The Pennine Lancashire Food Festival 2006 was a huge success. To find out what went on last year, please read on.

Theatre of Food and Dreams! Masterchefs at Darwen Library Theatre, £3.50
A posse of the region’s finest chefs hit the stage in a spectacular demonstration of great cooking, fab food and loads of fun! A sizzling programme was put together to entertain and inspire the whole family – putting the glorious back in food! A single ticket provided entry for the full day, enabling the audience to explore other Festival events between performances. Events included:
• Get set cook! – Wacky cooking competition with a variety of local chefs
• Surprising – totally! – Black pudding makers RS Ireland demonstrated Black Pudding Ice Cream
• Gourmet Grub to go – Philippa James and Rob Alcock demonstrated how easy it is to source great local produce, cook amazing fresh food (without the help of the microwave) and do it all on a budget!
• Fab Food for Families – Philippa James demonstrated fresh, healthy food for families.

Witton Weaver’s Way Gourmet Walks, Strawbury Duck, £15
West Pennine Woodlands and Wayoh Reservoir 3.5 miles. The walk started and finished at the Strawbury Duck Inn, Overshores Road, Entwistle and was hosted by our jolly walking guide Bronwen Earnshaw. The walk ended in the village of Entwistle; where rambling turned to rumbling tums and a fabulous two-course supper awaited at the Strawbury Duck Inn.

Natural and Organic World, Barlow Institute, FREE
A Natural and Organic Festival at the Barlow Institute was enjoyed, where people could sample healthy produce – with organic food and drink from local regional and national specialists – plus natural solutions and chemical free cosmetics. An organic and vegetarian café was open throughout.

Victorian Afternoon Tea, Turton Tower, £4.75
When the Kay family moved into Turton Tower in 1845, afternoon tea was gaining in popularity. This afternoon allowed people to enjoy a locally produced classic Victorian high-tea of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones in our cosy tearoom.

Herbal Lotions and Potions, Turton Tower
Lel Hoyle was on hand for people to learn about herbs and how they were used in Tudor times. Activities included making lotions or potions to cure all your ills for people to take away with them for a small cost.

Witton Weavers’ Way Gourmet Walk, Whitehall Hotel, £15
Darwen Tower - 4 miles. Started and finished at the Whitehall Hotel, Darwen.
Historic lanes and moorland tracks were discovered, leading up to the famous Jubilee Tower. Once up the tower superb panoramic views were enjoyed across Lancashire to the coast and the Lake District. A hearty Lancashire supper was served at 7pm back at the Whitehall Hotel.

Henry’s Hog Roast & Medieval Fayre, Samlesbury Hall, £25
Medieval Wild Boar & Fowl Feast at Samlesbury Hall Featuring Medieval entertainment and an amazing 16th century comedy show with King Henry VIII and his Tudor players. The hall and grounds were opened up to host a private party where fine Lancashire food and drink was conjured into an authentic medieval feast. Wild boar and capon were stuffed with local apples and herbs, spit roasted for 6 hours over a selection of fragrant woods and served with a platter of local breads and sweetmeats. A huge Lancashire cheese board completed the feast whilst kings and jesters provided the fun. Complimentary tot of home-made mead and tour of the Hall was included.

Haunted Inn Gourmet Ghostwalk, Chetham Arms, £14
Plus Victorian supper at the Chetham Arms. Dressed in authentic Victorian costume, ghost-host and star of ITV’s ‘Into the Unknown’, Simon Entwistle guided guests on a spine-chilling journey through Lancashire’s spooky past. Guests met at the Chetham Arms, built in 1712 and supposedly haunted by at least 4 spirits – and not of the alcoholic kind! A Victorian supper parlour was recreated and a splendid authentic supper was served up from the farmers, growers and producers of the surrounding villages for this sell-out event.

Parsi Royal Banquet Buffet and Cooking Demonstration: A Taste of Persia, Turton Tower, £18.00
Bini’s Darwen Coffee House is proud to be the first Parsi establishment in the North West (indeed north of London) and boasts authentic, home-cooked recipes developed by a Parsi chef of 35 years experience. With a strong accent on herbs and spices; Turton’s Elizabethan heritage combines beautifully with Parsi cuisine. The evening included a cooking demonstration by master-chef Maneck, a talk on the history of Parsi cuisine and the Parsi Royal Banquet Buffet experience. A spice trail was also available to discover the exotic taste of Lancashire at Turton Tower in the heart of the West Pennine Moors.