There are many reasons why Alnwick Lions want to hold an annual food festival in Alnwick. Here are a few:

LOCAL PRODUCE
* To raise public awareness of local food producers, food outlets and eating places;
* To encourage local eating places to use locally-produced food;
* To provide information on where to buy locally produced food;
* To encourage local shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs to use and sell local produce.

HEALTHY EATING
* To promote healthy eating, especially among schoolchildren;
* To raise awareness of the NHS 5 A Day campaign;
* To highlight and encourage food education.

LOCAL ECONOMY
* To establish Alnwick as "The Food Capital of Northumberland"
* To attract visitors to the town and encourage them to return again and again;
* To extend the tourist season;
* To help boost the local economy;
* To respond to recent research by Newcastle University which states market towns like Alnwick need to take action to survive in the face of pressure from out-of-town shopping and the internet;
* To encourage locals to shop in Alnwick rather than look elsewhere;
* To promote eating out in Alnwick and local chefs;
* To encourage the highest standards in the town.

ENTERTAIN
* To provide a feast of fun for food lovers of all ages
* To entertain and welcome both visitors and residents;

SOCIAL
* To bring the local community together;
* To encourage social inclusion with a programme of events for adults and children with special needs.

CHARITY
* To raise money for local charities through Alnwick Lions.