Our highlights

Meat Free in Manchester 

Building on the success of last year’s free public event by the Vegetarian Society, Meat Free in Manchester once again launched National Vegetarian Week with live entertainment, cookery demos, food samples and more. Taking place on Saturday 19 May and with at least 3,000 visitors over the course of the day, the Vegetarian Society used Albert Square in Manchester to highlight just how fun, tasty and beneficial a meat-free diet is.

Cookery demos from Vegetarian Patron Rose Elliot, Bistro 1847 head chef Wendy Swetnam and Cordon Vert Principal Tutor Alex Connell impressed those watching in the new, larger Cordon Vert Cookery Theatre. The Comedy Waiters provided humour and fun around the event for adults and kids alike, and a special visit and storytelling session from TV’s Mr Bloom was immensely popular with the younger crowd. We also asked the public to taste test and vote on their favourite vegetarian sausage at our Banger Bonanza marquee, where they could also make their own unique relish by combining different fresh ingredients. The tombola and Going Veggie marquees proved very popular too, as did the milkshake and smoothie bikes that let visitors blend their own drinks using pedal power.  Our caterers on the day, Veggies of Nottingham and Falafest, were busy for the whole day selling delicious burgers, falafels, cakes and more.

Feedback for the day was very positive and we’d like to thank our hard working volunteers and staff who helped us make it a great day for everyone.

Keep an eye on our National Vegetarian Week website for more information about our plans for next year.

Meat Free in Manchester

Eco-Schools Show

The Vegetarian Society visited the Eco-schools Show in Sheffield on Tuesday 26 June. Susan Furmage, Youth Education Officer conducted a workshop called Meat Free Mondays and Beyond. The workshop explored the environmental impact of the food choices we make, and encouraged students, teachers and caterers to consider the far-reaching benefits of introducing Meat Free Mondays (or Tuesdays or Wednesdays…) to their schools.

Each workshop participant received resources highlighting the environmental benefits of a meat free diet. We also had a stand where staff members distributed resources and offered advice to visitors. Picture thanks to @KeepBritainTidy

The Eco-Schools Show is the single largest sustainable schools event in England. The Show is unique in that it is focussed at a younger audience - primary and secondary school pupils.