A celebration of Spanish culture

The many flavours of Spain are coming to London and Edinburgh this summer, from Sunday 31 May to Wednesday 3 June and Friday 17 July to Sunday 19 July respectively.

Musicians, chefs, dancers, horses, artists, performers, fashionistas and gourmet enthusiasts are flying in from Spain to join forces with Regent Street, London’s leading restaurants and chefs, and Spanish food purveyors, to celebrate A Taste of Spain (tastespain.info) – an authentic extravaganza of Spanish lifestyle, culture and food.

On Sunday 31 May, Regent Street – A Taste of Spain will see London’s world-famous shopping street transformed into a grand showcase of Spanish culture for the fourth consecutive year.

Regent Street will close to traffic and everyone be invited to celebrate the very best of Spain from midday to 6pm. Twelve Spanish regions will fill the street with dancing horses, regional food and wine tastings, including two giant paellas, live music and entertainment from street, flamenco and sevillanas dancers, and traditional musicians and dancers. There will also be a fashion show, children’s arts, crafts and face painting, and an art exhibition. For one day only, there will be shopping and dining promotions in Regent Street and Heddon Street. Regent Street - A Taste of Spain is supported by the Spanish Tourist Office, Regent Street Association and The Crown Estate.

Borough Market - A Taste of Spain returns on Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 June for the third year running. The country’s many flavours and tastes will be presented by the Spanish regions, food producers, suppliers, winemakers and London’s leading Spanish restaurants, at London’s oldest and most important food market. Visitors will be able to taste and enjoy regional specialities, cheeses, meats, wines and other gourmet delights.

There will be live cookery demonstrations – a chance to learn how to cook Spanish food, as well as try the dishes – and a giant Valencian paella. The festival will take place with a backdrop of live Spanish entertainment and music... a complete Spanish extravaganza. London’s leading Spanish restaurants will have fantastic offers on food and drink during this Spanish festival.

Edinburgh - A Taste of Spain will start on 17 July and the celebrations will last for three days on The Mound. Seven Spanish regions will be present and they will bring their finest regional foods and wines, as well as theatre performers and art work.

A Taste of Spain is supported by the Spanish Tourist Office.

For a comprehensive programme, list of participants and further details visit tastespain.info (live on 1 April 2009) and regentstreetonline.com.