Last week’s Stalybridge Street Fest boasted an important addition for food lovers. Called The Seed to Feed Takeaway, the new stand on Armentieres Square handed out free coriander, cumin, chilli, onion, mint and fennel seeds that were planted in used takeout containers that people had finished with.

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The seeds were then taken home from the 'slow food' takeaway, to be sown and grown to produce edible herbs and vegetables that are ideal for curries, dahls, chillies and other Eastern-inspired dishes - perfect for great value “fakeaways” on the sofa!

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The seeds, seed compost and vermiculite were kindly provided by outdoor education specialist, gardener, foraging expert and allotmenteer, Michael Hand, who was on the stand to provide growing and sowing advice.

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Michael comments: “Takeaway containers are great for planting and cultivating seeds - and it’s even more gratifying to grow produce that you can eat at home and use in your own home-made meals.  Plastic and aluminium can be used and used again for years and years, so what better way to help the environment than by reusing them for something positive and nourishing?”

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A spokesperson for Tameside Council said “Spring is in the air, so what better time than now to celebrate food that is locally grown, sourced or bought here in Stalybridge?

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“The initiative, produced in partnership with placemaking company LOCAL, also took the opportunity to gather information from visitors on local recipes, favourite foods and local ingredients.

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“Your recipes, tastes and memories of the food you've grown up with will be used by LOCAL and TMBC to commission a chef to create a signature dish for Stalybridge that will be rolled out across the town in September’s Heritage-themed Town of Culture month; creating a new food heritage for the town and making it into a culinary destination that we can be proud of.”

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The next Street Fest will take place on Friday 13th May, Armentieres Square, Stalybridge

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