Vegfest

The big one

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You know we are only a week away from one of the biggest (the biggest?) vegan events anywhere, right? Approximately ten thousand vegans, vegan friendlies and curious carnivores will descend upon London Olympia for VegfestUK on September 27 and 28, 2014

This show is the result of the tireless dedication shown by organiser Tim Barford who is a rare breed in the vegan community. He works himself ragged getting these monumental shows together and reaches countless people every year with a compassionate message. His shows have been staged for over ten years and he rallies against adversity and financial hardship to put together events packed with information, education, entertainment and food.

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It would be wonderful to see how many non-human animals have been saved directly by the influence of these shows. I would imagine the number would be emotionally overwhelming.

Following are some reasons I think you will love this year’s event at London Olympia:

  • it is a fab place to take non-vegans so they can see what it’s all about in a friendly and fun environment
  • there is SO much tasty vegan food
  • meet the people behind some of your favourite vegan brands (and thank them for their hard work)
  • it is wonderful to be in a building with THOUSANDS of other vegans
  • meet inspiring vegans from the worlds of sport, education, activism and entertainment
  • grab some show day deals and specials on your favourite vegan brands
  • get inspired to take action by signing up with organisations fighting for animals

You can buy tickets online now and download the programme here. Make sure you follow VegfestUK on Twitter and don’t forget to give Tim a shout out online to thank him for his dedication to improving outcomes for animals.

 

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Begging for votes

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If you visit my blog even occasionally, you will be aware I have been nominated in the Best Vegan Blog category in the VegfestUK Awards 2014.

The voting closes on Monday September 15th, 2014 and since I am posting this blog late at night on the 14th, you probably have only a few hours left to vote.

Here are some reasons I think my blog is worth voting for:

  • I have dedicated countless hours to creating content for this blog since 2010
  • My blog shares information with people all over the country and planet
  • I work hard to let people know the latest vegan product and event information
  • My blog helps support new and long term vegans
  • The huge London Vegan Drinks and London Vegan Potluck sprung up out of this blog giving support to hundreds of vegans
  • I give crucial exposure to independent vegan businesses

I would be thrilled and honoured to win the Best Vegan Blog award.

You can click here to vote now. Please share this post widely.

Win tickets for VegFest

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I love a good giveaway. Don’t you? Of course, some giveaways are superior to others and the prize up for grabs in this competition is definitely at the higher end of the scale.

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You know all about VegFestUK. You are aware the Bristol chapter of this vegan lifestyle, food, education and music extravaganza has been a much loved event for over a decade. You know it is the biggest vegan show of its kind in Europe. Of course you are aware that people travel from all over the UK, Europe and the planet to attend. There isn’t a person reading this who isn’t already aware they can visit the official VegFestUK website here for all show information. I probably don’t need to tell you the event this year is spread across May 23, 24 and 25, 2014.

I won’t bore you with what you already know. Instead, here is some new information to arouse your interest.

COMPETITION

VegFestUK Bristol organisers are generously giving me the opportunity to gift two pairs of tickets to the Friday and Saturday night concerts taking place as part of this year’s event. That’s right. One lucky winner will score two tickets to the Friday night gig and two tickets to the Saturday night gig.

That’s a fab prize. Check out the talent the winner will be experiencing.

Friday May 23, 2014

VegFest UK is throwing a huge disco party featuring the Bristol Samba Band, ABBA Gold tribute band, the legendary Boney M feat. Maizie Williams and Gwen Dickey’s Rose Royce. There will also be musical action from DJ act Just a Couple of Mums.

Saturday May 24, 2014

VegFestUK goes punk on the Saturday night with live sets from Goldblade fronted by the awesome John Robb, Ruts DC and Peter Hook and the Light.

Here is how you can enter to win a pair of tickets for both nights.

Comment below telling me about your favourite musical act. Make it funny and interesting. Share tales of concert experiences, first records, obsessions gone wrong or anything related to your musical pick. Your favourite band, singer or performer does not have to be appearing at VegFestUK in order to mention them.

It is that simple. The competition will close midnight April 30, 2014. I will pick a winner based on how amusing/engaging the entry is but I’m sorry to say I can’t choose someone I work with or am friendly with already. The tickets will be sent to the winner via post from VegFestUK organisers. You will need to leave a way for me to contact you in the instance you are the winner. A link to your Twitter account would be fine.

Get entering!

Follow VegFestUK on Twitter

Like VegFestUK on Facebook

 

Best in show

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I just need to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks to all of the people who voted for me in the VegfestUK awards 2013.

The award ceremony took place on Saturday during the show and I was genuinely thrilled to be presented with the award for Best Blogger of the Year. It was lovely. This blog has been running for almost three years and recognition isn’t expected, but it certainly is appreciated.

From the bottom of my fat gay vegan heart, I thank you.

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Will you remember me?

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When you put a lot of time and effort into something, it’s nice to get some recognition. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy, right?

I have been plugging away at this blog and its associated activities for two and a half years. How time flies when you are guilt-tripping yourself into meeting self-imposed publication dates. Seriously though, I feel I have been consistent in sharing my thoughts on vegan food, products and events throughout the UK and the world. I’m proud of this little corner of the Internet.

My first FGV blog entry... EVER!
My first FGV blog entry… EVER!

It would seem the pride I have in my own abilities isn’t completely unfounded as my blog has been nominated for an award.

VegfestUK is a series of huge vegan festivals that take place in Brighton, Bristol (happening this weekend May 24-26, 2013) and London. Running for ten years, the events are a celebration of all things plant-based and are hugely popular outings for vegans and non-vegans alike.

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To celebrate their tenth year, VegfestUK organisers want to recognise vegan businesses, personalities and products with their own award show. Thankfully, they have included a vegan blog category meaning I was able to sneak in with a nomination.

Please visit the voting page and pop a little tick next to my name (if you feel I deserve it). If you do vote for my blog, please let me know in the comments section below. I would like to include you in my acceptance speech at the award ceremony taking place in London this October.*

*This might not happen in reality

 

Breaking: Jamie Kilstein heads back to London

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As you may be aware, I am proudly involved with a mammoth vegan festival heading to London Olympia this October. VegfestUK is the biggest vegan festival in the world and is now, for the first time in its long history, heading to the capital.

The line up of talent and respected performers/speakers/specialists is growing weekly and there has been a slew of recent announcements around the personalities heading to VegfestUK London for the weekend of October 5th and 6th, 2013. But as far as I’m concerned, here is the major reason to make sure you are at the event come October time…

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VegfestUK London latest

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I love being involved in VegfestUK London. Not only am I helping promote the biggest vegan festival in the world as it sets sail for London for the first time in its ten year history, but I also get to break news about speakers as they are announced.

Just announced to be appearing at the London show on October 5th and 6th….

Mellissa Morgan of the world-famous vegan bakery Ms. Cupcake will de doing her thing in the Cookery Demo Area. Expect expert tips on how to make delicious vegan treats… and lots of smiles and sweet words!

Jill Swyers is a pioneer of the raw food scene in the UK and one of the most respected personalities in the field. She will be appearing in the Living Raw Zone. Learn to live a healthier life with wise words from this expert.

Patrick Baboumian is an inspiration to thousands of people around the world having been voted Vegan Athlete of the Year 2012. The popular powerhouse will be appearing in the Lifestyles Talks Room to inspire your inner weightlifter.

Wendy Turner Webster is a legendary animal rights campaigner and was the host of the long running TV show Pet Rescue. Wendy is also a patron of The Vegan Society and she will be appearing in the Lifestyle Talks Room where she will share her invaluable insights and knowledge.

These four personalities join an ever-expanding line up that gets more impressive with every announcement. VegfestUK London is something to mark in your calendar and get very excited about.

Remember… tickets are available for a limited time as part of a buy-one-get-one-free deal. Go here to buy your tickets now.

See you at the show!

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BIG news about Vegfest UK

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I like to break big news when I can get it and it rarely comes bigger than this.

As you know, Vegfest is a wildly successful food, music and lifestyle festival that takes place every year in Brighton and Bristol. Well, that used to be true. The huge news released just today by the organisers involves the festival expanding to a third location. London.

That’s right, people. One of the biggest and best healthy living events in the world is setting up shop this October 5 and 6 in London. The sprawling Olympia site will be taken over for the two day event featuring cookery demos, celebrities, live music and much more.

And if that isn’t enough to impress your vegan socks right off your feet, more staggering news has been leaked concerning the Bristol Vegfest event taking place on 24-26 May, 2013.

Legendary Mancunian band The Happy Mondays have been confirmed to appear at the Bristol stop of the festival, which is officially the world’s biggest vegan event. Also joining the Mondays will be Peter Hook (New Order), The Farm, 808State, Caravan Palace, The Abyssinians and Macka B.

Get all the finer details from the official press release below. If you are planning on attending the London leg of Vegfest, tickets go on sale February 13. If you are interested in hosting a stall at the event, be SUPER quick in contacting the organisers as the availability is sure to shrink rapidly.

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Say vegan cheese

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Every now and then something so revolutionary comes along, it turns the vegan world upside down. Vegusto is one of those things. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Vegusto display at VegFest 2011

During the last few months I have been enjoying a new vegan cheese range known as Vegusto. It isn’t easy to find in the UK but when you do get your hands on it, you won’t soon forget. The plant-based cheeses are made in Switzerland and are slowly working their way around Europe. I spoke with representatives at the recent Bristol VegFest who assured me they are toiling away with plans to get the range into health food stores around the UK as soon as possible.

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