Media office

Following the hugely successful 2007 festival, Taste of Birmingham is back this summer for the third consecutive year; from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 13th July 2008 in the beautiful al fresco surroundings of Cannon Hill Park. Tickets go on sale on 5th March 2008.

This year the event focuses on all that is best in the heart of England. Neil Rami, Marketing Birmingham comments: ‘The previous two Taste Festivals have put us on the culinary map. Now in 2008 we are going to show once and for all we lead the way in food, restaurants and festivals.’

Taste of Birmingham will celebrate Birmingham’s and the West Midland’s finest food, restaurants and drinks, with a fabulous mix of ‘gastro features’ designed to educate and excite the festival visitors.

Over 20,000 visitors will have the opportunity to sample freshly prepared signature dishes from 16 of the regions top restaurants, including two world famous Ludlow dining rooms, a ‘gastro pub corner’ hosting the regions best pub food as well as a ‘Spice Quarter’ showcasing the region’s diverse ethnic cuisine, including key restaurants, demonstrations, key ethnic brands and foods.

Andreas Antona, Simpsons Executive Chef, comments: ‘I have been involved with Taste of Birmingham since its creation and have seen the quality of the festival grow with each year. Birmingham is truly at the heart of the British restaurant scene.’

Other highlights include the Taste Kitchen sponsored by Sainsbury’s celebrating local cheeses, meat and fruits; delicious. magazine Produce’s Market featuring new hands-on cookery classes with the best local produce from the Heart of England and the Lavazza Aroma Zone, including the Barista-led Aroma Theatre.

Tickets start from £12 and can be bought from the box office 0871 230 5581 or through the website www.channel4.com/taste