Council to run food festival as organiser banned

A local authority has announced it will step in to run a food festival after it banned previous organisers from running events in the area.

Lichfield District Council rejected Cocker Hoop Creative Limited's application to hold the Lichfield Food Festival in August and that it would also reject any future applications from the company.

It follows the cancellation of other events run by the same company, including the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival.

A spokesperson for the firm said it would be seeking legal advice regarding the council's decision to ban it from running events in the Lichfield district.

It previously said it had organised the festival for 10 years, attracting thousands of visitors to the city.

The council said any trader that had already booked and paid for a pitch at the Lichfield Summer Food Festival via Cocker Hoop Creative would be offered a free pitch at the event.

Local authority bosses said they would also be speaking to retailers in the city centre about how they could be part of the festival.

They said it would not be exactly the same as previous food festivals, but that they were committed to organising "a vibrant and enjoyable event".

Council leader Doug Pullen said the spectacle was really important to residents and businesses.

"It brings thousands of people into the city and provides an opportunity to showcase Lichfield as a visitor destination," he said.

"We want to do all we can to support those traders who we know have already made significant financial outlays in preparation for the Lichfield Summer Food Festival."

Traders were advised to contact the council regarding booking a pitch, and the authority said further details would be announced shortly.

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