The chairman of Stone Food & Drink Festival is to retire from the role after 20 years at the helm.
Richard Stevens was a founding member of the committee who decided to set up the event in support of the town’s high street back in 2004.
The first festival took place in 2005 and has since grown to become one of the best-known foodie events in the Midlands.
Ed Stant, well known in the town for his role in Stone Traders’ Group, will join the festival board alongside existing directors Angela Arnold, Catherine Haigh and Charlotte Eglington, all of whom have been involved in the running of the event for a number of years.
Richard said: “The Stone Food & Drink Festival has been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years but now, at the age of 81, I feel it is time to retire. My wife Janet, who has been asking me for the past 10 years when I’m going to retire, will be delighted!
“Joking aside, I feel that the festival is in safe hands going forward and that the new board of directors shares the same passion for the town and making the event a success as I do.
“I’m delighted to be asked by the new team to become Festival President and look forward seeing what they have in store for the 2025 event.”
The 2025 festival is set to take place at Westbridge Park between 9 and 11 May.
Town centre businesses will be invited to get involved in the festivities during the run-up to the big weekend by hosting their own events and special offers.
Speaking for the new board, Ed Stant said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with the legacy that Richard and our preceding directors have established over the years.
“While Richard will be missed in the day-to-day organisation of the event, we will no doubt draw on his vast knowledge and experience as we take over the festival in the coming months.
“We wish Richard all the very best in his retirement and look forward to welcoming him to next year’s festival as our new president.
“As a team, we have some exciting new ideas that we are keen to introduce to give the festival an even more vibrant visitor experience and look forward sharing these over the coming months.”
