Food for thought – Catering for a summer Festival?

Festival season is well and truly upon us (even if we’ve only had fleeting glimpses of the ideal weather conditions) and this is great news for more than just fans of live music.

Stand Out Magazine recently reported that music tourism in the UK generated more than £3.1 billion for the economy. That’s not just ticket sales, but transport, outdoor goods and perhaps most importantly food and drink.

With the rise of celebrity chefs and foodie culture, British tastes have evolved. People are growing more discerning, but also more adventurous and keen to enjoy a greater variety of tastes. As a result, music festivals and outdoor events aren’t just sources of entertainment; they’re must-visit destinations for fans of artisan street food and other on-the-spot delicacies.

As such, these festivals are a chance for hip food outlets to put themselves centre stage, just like rock stars on the line-up.

In order to do so, however, they are going to need an array of robust yet highly portable kitchen equipment and accessories. From electrical and gas powered cooking equipment, to fridges, freezers cleaning equipment and bins there is a lot to organise and purchasing all of this equipment could make a placement at a festival a greater financial risk.

That is why many outlets choose to rent their outdoor; or mobile kitchen equipment from companies like ours. We provide catering equipment and furniture hire to a wide variety of venues and outdoor spaces in London and the South of England. Festival goers and fun-seekers in the area have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

Four festivals and a carnival

Wilderness Festival (6-9 August) - Oxfordshire

The Wilderness Festival is as renowned for its food and drink as it is for its music (even though big names like Ben Howard and the legendary Bjork will be there).

Food headliners include Raymond Blanc, Angela Hartnett, Nuno Mendes. This isn’t your average festival food.

Reading Festival (28-30 August) - Berkshire

The biggest bands on the planet are coming to Richmond this summer, including the new look Mumford & Sons.

Your food options here are likely to be far more conventional festival fare, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a wide variety of treats to try-out.

Surrey Heath Music Festival (TBC) - Surrey

At the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s the Surrey Heath Music Festival, which was introduced last year to shine a spotlight on promising talent in the area, while celebrating the rich musical heritage of the area.

Also up for celebration is the cuisine of local food outlets. Who will seize their chance to shine in 2015?

Notting Hill Carnival (30-31 August) - London

Britain’s biggest street party explodes into the capital at the end of the month, meaning revellers will have their pick of foodie-friendly establishments. But they will also have access to a variety of culinary treats from street vendors throughout the area.

The carnival site is even promoting their personal Jerk chicken recipe so it must be good!