Hope Street Feast.Crowds flocked to Hope Street.
THERE was dancing in the streets of Liverpool yesterday as the city’s annual food and drink festival came to a close.
Thousands of people swarmed around Hope Street basking in the sunshine and enjoying the tastes of the exotic.
The Hope Street Feast saw hundreds of stalls line the road between the two cathedrals as a climax to a week of foodie events.
There were Kangaroo and Crocodile burgers on offer for the brave alongside German cakes, Welsh puddings and the ever-popular cheeses of the Liverpool Cheese Company.
Now in its third year, with chocolatier Green and Black’s Organic as its sponsor, the event began with a twist.
Everyone entering the street was handed 100 “Neuros” to spend at 20 ridiculous market stalls, known collectively as the “Market of Optimism”.
Commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company and described by organisers as a “wonderful festival of silliness” the neuros could be exchanged for free wishes and advice from actors on each of the stalls.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall threw open its doors, giving an insider’s view of the famous music venue.
Merseyside Dance Initiative held one-hour African dance classes, while Unity Theatre had a “To Do Market” with craft activities, storytelling, cake decorating and face painting for children.
By mid-afternoon, the area was thronging with visitors and pavement cafes were full.
There were plenty of tasters on offer including chocolate from the sponsor and samples of pickles, sausage, risotto and real ale.
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, had its stall opposite the Everyman offering tasters from Merseyside’s six brewers.
John Armstrong, vice-chair of Liverpool CAMRA, said: “When you ask people if they like real ale, they say no because they have never tried it; hopefully, by trying a sample, we might change their mind.”
The festival ends a week of offers and taste sensations which saw restaurants and bars throw open their doors for themed nights and special offers for deserving foodies.
Ian Bradbury, from Aigburth, who visited Hope Street, said: “It’s great for the city because events such as this and La Machine encourage people to interact artistically with it.”
FOR more pictures from the Hope Street Feast, visit www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk
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