Those interested in a gluten-free diet are being invited to a specialist food fair which is being held at City Hall on Saturday 22 April.
Bristol’s Gluten-Free Food Fair, organised by the Bristol Local Voluntary Support Group of Coeliac UK, is taking place at City Hall and will give local people the chance to find out more about gluten-free products available on the market and speak with experts.
Tracy Thompson, the Bristol group’s organiser, said: “We’re a relatively new committee – the disease is becoming more widely spread and so the need for support is increasing.
“We’re hoping to attract around 500 people to this exciting new event which aims to give vital information to anyone with Coeliac disease or those interested in learning more about living gluten-free.
“We’ve got over 20 exhibitors already confirmed for the day including gluten-free food and drink manufacturers Schar, Nairns, G&D Free (Keynsham) and Green Beers.
“Everyone is welcome; it will be a great way to find out more about the types of gluten-free food available and meet other like-minded people. We hope to raise awareness for the condition and help people get used to living with it.”
As well as various stalls and foods to explore, there will be information and advice from dietitians and representatives of Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease. Visitors can also take part in a tombola, and there will be activities for children on offer.
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten. When gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) is eaten by someone with the condition, damage to the gut lining occurs.
One in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, but only around 24% of those are currently diagnosed. There is no cure or medication for the condition; the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.
If someone with coeliac disease doesn’t stick to a gluten-free diet, the disease can lead to other conditions such as malnutrition, osteoporosis and small bowel cancer.
The event is taking place on Saturday 22 April from 11am-3pm at City Hall (formerly the Council House). Admission is £3 (under 16s free) and money raised will go to the Bristol Coeliac UK group to help fund further events and support in the area.
To find out more about the local Coeliac UK group, email bristol@coeliac.org.uk.