On Thursday 6th August from 2-4pm, Care UK’s Kentford Manor in Kennett will open its doors to families and neighbours for a free food festival, inviting guests to tuck in and celebrate the nation’s shared love of great cuisine, community and connection. 

Visitors to the Jeddah Way home can look forward to a selection of homemade treats and enjoy live entertainment from musician Alan Hack. Ahead of the event, residents are working alongside the local community to collect donations of fresh produce from nearby suppliers before coming together to cook and bake for the occasion.  

The finished dishes, including goats' cheese and beetroot filo pastries, fresh fruit tarts and vegetable curry will then be donated to homeless shelters and food banks in Newmarket and Bury, creating a celebration of food that not only brings people together but also gives back to the wider community. 

Resident Dilber Dumasia said: “I remember buying my first cookery book, 500 Recipes by Marguerite Patten, when I was a college student. I spent hours reading it, and my father brought me a small oven so I could start my journey with baking and cooking. 

“From then on, I never looked back. I've always loved baking, especially novelty cakes. There's something so special about creating cakes that bring a smile to people's faces. I'm really looking forward to this event, sharing homemade food with everyone, and knowing that what we make will also help people in our local community.” 

The event is part of the ‘A Taste of Home’ initiative, which will see Care UK homes across the country host foodie-themed celebrations and showcase what life in a care home is really like. 

Each festival will offer sustainable, community-focused activities while championing the diversity and creativity within the homes, from residents’ favourite recipes to seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. 

Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Kentford Manor, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting our very own food festival! 

“We are part of a strong community here in Newmarket, and days like this are a wonderful way of bringing people together to celebrate our love of food while giving residents the opportunity to share their favourite recipes and traditions with younger generations. 

“The afternoon not only promises a lot of laughter, but it is also an excellent way for residents to meet and mingle with lots of new faces – and some familiar ones. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.” 

To find out more about A Taste of Home, please visit careuk.com/a-taste-of-home. 

Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, Kentford Manor incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a number of suites to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. The home has its own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon. 

To find out more about Kentford Manor, please contact Home Manager Hannah Nurse on 01638 779 596, email hannah.nurse@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/kentford-manor.