I feel compelled to write to congratulate and thank Cath Dutton, Stacy Hurley and team for organising such a fantastic festival of food at Kendal in March. It is great to see and hear so many people, and from all walks of life, appreciating good food and drink and the art of creating it too and how it raises expectation in the town for fine fayre, year-round.

How brilliant to see Japanese-style sushimi tuna (locally sourced) alongside Herdwick Lamb pies and Italian connoisseur coffee alongside Kendal Mintcake Liquer!

The festival really brought the town to life and demonstrated why really good (well-organised, varied content, easily accessible, family-friendly) events are worth their weight in gold, literally and figuratively.

I know only too well how much work goes into this quality of event, how budgets are stretched to their very limits to deliver the very best and how much energy and time those who create and organise them sacrifice on our behalf.

Thank you too all those involved, organisers, funders and partners.

Julie Tait

Kendal