Guys working on their 5 a day

Taking place at Bristol Harbourside on 12th – 13th September 2009, the purpose of this year’s festival is to bring a focus back to the local community and to introduce more people to the organic pioneers who are growing, sewing, cooking and making in a way that is truly sustainable.

The festival, which is the biggest organic event in Europe, promises to be a weekend of gastronomic proportions thanks to 250 organic exhibitors, support from the Soil Association, Yeo Valley Organic and work in collaboration with Dominic Phillips Event Marketing.

As well as seeing celebrity chefs in action, an expected 20,000 visitors will discover a world of delicious organic food and drink, gorgeous skin care, fabulous fashion, organic textiles, home design and even get some tips on organic gardening. Promising to be an entertaining family-friendly outing, this much loved festival is perfect for everyone.

Sarah Weiner, Festival Manager, said:

“The Organic Food Festival gives thousands of people the chance to meet the pioneers paving the way to a secure food system – one that is dependent on the sun rather than dwindling reserves of petroleum. The future is here – and it tastes mighty fine.”

To find out more about this year’s Organic Food Festival, visit www.theorganicfoodfestival.co.uk.

Admission is £5 of which £1 is a direct donation to the Soil Association. Free admission to Soil Association members and children under 16

Pumpkins at the Bristol Farmers' Market

Taking place from 5^th – 20^th September the two week campaign will take centre stage to highlight all the great things about organic. Up and down the UK, people in shops, schools, cafes, churches and farms will be hosting events and raising awareness about why organic is the healthy choice, the best for animal welfare and the right thing for the planet.

Sophie Shevlin from the Soil Association says:

“Organic Fortnight is a nationwide campaign highlighting the benefits of organic. This year’s theme focuses on organic values on a budget. Organic is good for us and our planet, is kind to animals and wildlife and allows us make a big difference – simply through the way we shop. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why organic delivers such good value for money.”

So what can you do to get involved with Organic Fortnight? We are all socialising a bit more at home at the moment, so why not host an organic dinner party where you can pass on your knowledge of organic to your friends? If you’re on a budget then you can follow this guide put together by the Soil Association.

There’s also the Organic Food Festival to get involved in…

Held September 12-13 at Bristol’s scenic Harbourside, the Organic Food Festival is organized in association with the Soil Association and with the generous support of Yeo Valley. It is Europe’s largest showcase of the organic community, with hundreds of organic products, cooking demonstrations with Raymond Blanc and other top chefs, childrens taste workshops and a lively Street Food Bazaar and Organic Bar. Find out more in our feature this month.