Meet Harper alumna Beth Heath organiser of the Field to Fork Festival

Beth Heath studied BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Marketing at Harper Adams University and while on placement with Green Fields Farm, Shropshire, she launched the county’s first ever farmers’ market.

Since graduating in 2001, Beth’s involvement with food festivals, farmers’ markets and business consultancy have grown to a substantial portfolio including; Shrewsbury Winter Festival, Shropshire Kids Fest, Ludlow Food Festival and Oktober Fest. Beth is now working with the community of Harper Adams University to bring the biggest ever live event to campus, the Field to Fork Festival.

Beth said: “At the Field to Fork Festival you can expect to see a live music stage, beer tent, street food element, farmers’ market, educational zones and a lots of activities for kids, including a Harper Street where alumni will be promoting their businesses which link to the food supply chain.

“The festival will also be supported by Harper students and academics in five learning zones which represent courses at Harper. In these zones there will be activities for people to partake in as well as informative talks.”
Beth who has two young children explained that the educational element of the festival is just as important as the fun to be had.

“Getting kids to understand the journey from field to fork is something I’m really passionate about. The festival will be a great place to bring kids, to meet the animals at Harper, visit educational zones, and have tractor rides as well as zorbing and inflatables in a dedicated area for kids.

“The Harper Street will give alumni an audience of up to 8000 to sell and promote their products to. If you have a business which relates to the food supply chain at any stage such as woollen jumpers, artisan sausages, gins, burger vans, taxidermy or agriculture we need you to sign up to be involved.

“The festival will have something for everyone and plenty of Harper sprit.”