THE ORGANISERS of next summer’s Tall Ships Races are appealing to local catering and bar providers to come forward and ensure the event showcases the very best of Shetland’s local produce.
Several high quality local providers have been appointed to cater at the Victoria Pier and Holmsgarth sites for the four-day event, which takes place in Lerwick from 26-29 July next year.
Caterers have also been appointed to deliver the prestigious Captain’s Dinner, the Ships’ Crew Party and the liaison team’s early morning breakfasts.
Shetland Tall Ships Ltd project manager Emma Miller said the organising team was very keen to prioritise the use of local providers and produce wherever possible and to take advantage of the “fantastic range of quality food and drink available here in Shetland”.
“We still have a requirement for additional catering providers, including the main bar provider,” she said. “That’s why we are issuing a further appeal for suppliers to get in touch if they can offer catering services for this, with an extended application deadline of 2 December.
“We are also still seeking caterers who can provide a canape and drinks service for deck hire events aboard ships while they are in port.
“It’s vital that we ensure there is adequate provision at next year’s event and if this is not available locally the decision to bring in external caterers needs to be made early in the new year to ensure services can be sourced.
“From a logistical and sustainability perspective, this would be a last resort and that is why we are so keen for local suppliers to come forward in the next few weeks.”
Kevin Obern of J.K. Mainland’s, which will have trailers serving food at both Holmsgarth and Victoria Pier next summer, said his business was thrilled to be involved again having also catered at the 2011 races.
“We did the last Tall Ships and it was just such a great community event, so we’re really looking forward to taking part again,” he said.
“It would be brilliant to see as many other local caterers and suppliers as possible getting involved to offer visitors the chance to sample some of Shetland’s superb produce.”
- Anyone who wants to express an interest in catering at the Tall Ships Races Lerwick 2023 can contact the organisers via email (info@tallshipslerwick.com) or by phoning (01595) 502110.