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A really good way of getting to try different foods and learn more about plant-based diets is to visit one of the growing number of vegan fairs and festivals held around the country. Some of these are now well-established events, attracting thousands of people, such as the huge Vegfest events in Brighton, Bristol, London and now Glasgow. Others are smaller, but in their way, equally effective. There are nearly always vegan savoury foods to sample, provided by generous companies such as Fry’s, Bute Island, VBites and Vegusto. And the catering at such events is a great way to discover some of the range of dishes you can create.
We try to publicise as many vegan fairs as we can in the diary dates section of our quarterly magazine, Outrage, but you can view a more complete and up-to-date selection on our diary dates webpage.
Animal Aid runs two such annual events itself in the run up to Christmas, so – surprise, surprise – here comes a plug!
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This year’s South West Christmas Without Cruelty Festival will be held on Saturday 21 November at Exeter Corn Exchange, Market St, Exeter, EX1 1BU and runs from 10am-4pm.
Then on Sunday 6 December it’s the Animal Aid Christmas Fayre, held at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton St, London, W8 7NX from 10am-5pm.
Both events offer a great opportunity to buy Christmas gifts and cards from companies and charities that are trying to make the world a kinder place. London is much the bigger, with more than 100 stalls, several vegan caterers, and interesting talks from campaigners, vegan chefs and others. As always, there will be plenty of cakes, chocolates and chilled meat-free goods – as well as shoes, clothes cosmetics and much more.
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At Exeter, there are 40+ stallholders, plus a fabulous restaurant, and a seasonal World Music choir. You can buy everything from vegan beers, cosmetics and food to crafts, cards and fairtrade clothes. One of the event’s fans is leading poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who, after visiting called it ‘very special’. ‘The food is great, the goodies are great, and the place is full of loving, compassionate people… It’s the best event of its kind,’ added Benjamin. This year, the first 50 visitors will receive a free gift from Lush and everybody who arrives before 2 pm will be entered into a free prize draw. Two winners will win a vegan food hamper, each worth £50.
Do try and come along to one of our Christmas events if you can. Here endeth the shameless commercial break!
