Popular foodie event to still go ahead this weekend in Northampton with a difference

Bite Street is still going ahead this weekend to support Northampton food vendors and workers.

The two-day foodie festival, taking place between Friday and Saturday (November 6 and 7), has had to quickly adapt and become a takeaway service after a second national lockdown was announced for England on Saturday.

Traders include Northampton-based small businesses The Smoke Pit and Pinch My Bun as well as The Little Urban BBQ, Cleopatra's Kitchen and The Patty Freaks and Urban Cheesecake.

Boss Crispin Slee said: "We have reviewed the new rules, as announced on Saturday, and plan to reinvent the format of the event at The County Cricket Ground in order to remain compliant.

"During the new lockdown, it will operate as a drive-up, takeaway service."

Cars will be parked in numbered bays in the Abington Avenue car park at The County Ground where they can access the menu for the six traders via a QR code.

There are 65 parking spaces at the ground but only 35 cars will be allowed into the arena every hour for their timed slot.

Other than tasty feasts, the menus over the weekend will offer soft drinks only and no alcohol.

Crispin added: "Customers will order food from their cars and wait in their vehicles while the order is prepared.

"The food will then be delivered directly to the car by one of our waiting staff.

"At this point, they can take the food home but I also envisage that some people will want to eat the food while sitting in their cars.

"In order to manage volumes, cars will need to be pre-booked via a paid ticket with a timed arrival slot.

"Traffic flow will operate on a one-way system with separate gates for entrance and exit, in accordance with the permanent system in place at The County Ground and with clear painted road markings."

The £5 booking fee is to make sure that Bite Street waiting staff and door staff are paid for their work over the weekend. To purchase a ticket, click here.In October, the food festival secured the indoor venue to continue its popular events throughout winter.

Bite Street, which was usually held at Duston Mill, in Upton Way, was able to welcome guests and traders back in July after months of no events due to coronavirus restrictions.

According to organisers, the event was really well supported so they were keen to find a way to continue during the colder months.