Jay Wilde - the star of BAFTA award winning British Short Film ,’73 Cows’ - will be opening the Devizes Vegan Fair at the Corn Exchange on Sunday 24 March.
Farmer Jay Wilde
73 Cows
The BAFTA winning film 73 Cows tells the true story of Jay & Katja Wilde, the first farmers in the UK to trade beef farming for sustainable organic vegan farming; giving up his entire herd of cattle in the process. Sending most of their cows to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norwich, the Wildes converted their Derbyshire farm into one that would produce organic vegan agriculture instead. The remaining cows would stay with Wilde and family and currently live on their 172 acre Bradley Nook Farm farm as pets.
The Wilde’s story was documented by filmmaker and director Alex Lockwood and proved a hit with the critics, with Lockwood taking to the podium to collect the award for ‘Best Short Film’ at the prestigious BAFTA’s award ceremony on Sunday night.
Speaking at the BAFTA’s he said: “It’s all a bit surreal at the moment, a bit of a shock. It’s a massive time for veganism and environmentalism.
"This is a film about Jay’s emotions and his feelings and about ultimately his decision to give is cows, the entire herd to a sanctuary. It’s a heart-warming documentary.”
Farmer Jay Wilde will be introducing the short film ’73 Cows’ for an exclusive screening on the day of the event. Seats will be limited. The popular Vegan Fair has attracted thousands of people over the past 12 months across the West.
Jo Harrington, co-organiser of Devizes Vegan Fair said: “We are delighted to have Jay Wilde joining us in Devizes on Sunday March 24. The story of Jay and Katja Wilde has been an inspiration worldwide and there’s no doubt that his story will be told for generations to come.
"This is a major step forward for veganism and for farmers to look towards alternative methods of farming. There is a great demand for plant-based living in the UK. We wish Jay and Katja the best of luck and look forward to having Farmer Jay Wilde join us.”
Dominika Piasecka, spokeswoman for The Vegan Society, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Devizes Vegan Fair, which will definitely open many people’s minds and hearts to veganism.
"We were pleased to learn that the beef-farmer-turned-vegan Jay Wilde will be opening the event, having assisted him in transporting the herd of cows he was looking after to a vegan sanctuary two years ago.”
The Devizes Vegan Fair will feature a number of talks, live cookery demonstrations and a number of stallholders showcasing their popular range of cruelty-free food, drink, clothing, cosmetics, accessories and gifts.
Vegan Chef and author, Richard Church will also be among the special guests attending the event and hosting a cooking demonstration in March.
Further information can be found at: www.veganfairs.co.uk
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