VegfestUK, organisers of Europe’s biggest vegan festivals, will lend their wholehearted support to the Animal Welfare Party’s attempt to win a seat in the 2014 EU Parliamentary Elections in May.

Formerly known as Animals Count, the Animal Welfare Party (AWP) is a UK political party striving to create a better world for people, animals and the environment. They are standing in the constituency of London in the European Elections to give animals a voice in the EU Parliament. Victory for the AWP will be historic for the animals and the vegetarian movement, which has enjoyed a noticeable surge in popularity and goodwill especially since the horsemeat scandal earlier this year.

VegfestUK will be working closely together with the AWP in making their election bid successful, beginning at next year’s VegfestUK Brighton on March 29th 30th 2014 at the Hove Centre. This is one of Europe’s most popular food festivals that is expected to attract over 7,000 visitors with a variety of dietary habits, ranging from vegans and veggies to the meat-reducers and flexitarians. The AWP will host a talk at 1pm on March 29th, on their manifesto and progress towards winning a seat at the EU Elections. They will also have an info stall as well as collecting donations from visitors on the gate, ensuring tons of exposure to a population that is increasingly aware of the benefits of meat- and dairy-free lifestyles.

“We are delighted to have the support of VegfestUK in the run up to the EU Elections,” said Vanessa Hudson, AWP Party Leader. “Positive promotion of plant-based lifestyles is the cornerstone of AWP’s policies and, since it’s inception in 2003, VegfestUK has played a key role in this area, challenging preconceptions of what plant based living is about and raising awareness of the huge benefits to be won for the environment, people and animals. VegfestUK events are fun, informative and game-changing. We could not think of a better partner to galvanise support for us the home run of our EU election campaign and to help us win the 140,000 or so votes we need on May 22nd to make history for the animals.”

VegfestUK Brighton is a family-friendly show which showcases the very best of a plant-based lifestyle in lighthearted fashion. Besides updates from the AWP on the day, highlights include over 130 stalls packed with free food samples and one-off discounts, talks, cookery demos, workshops, films, kids’ cookery classes, live performances, a speed-dating session, plus a vegan bodybuilder competition. All products displayed are 100% plant-based. Admission is £2 for adults and free for under 16’s. Visit www.brighton.vegfest.co.uk for further info.

For more info about the AWP, visit animalwelfareparty.org or email info@animalscount.org

To find out more about VegfestUK shows in 2014, visit www.vegfest.co.uk or email info@vegfest.co.uk