Limmud’s new caterers are rising to the task of feeding thousands of people, with participants describing the fare on offer as “delicious”.

Manchester firm Celia Clyne Banqueting was handed the largest kosher catering contract in Europe to supply more than 30,000 meals throughout the week. Owner Celia Clyne said it has been “a steep learning curve”.

She added: “It’s not easy, but it’s been good so far, and it’s very rewarding seeing so many enjoying our food.”

“That’s why I do it; I get a buzz from people eating and liking my food. The adrenalin kick is great when people come up to me and say how much they enjoy it, and they’re still smiling at the moment.

“Our volunteers are fantastic - they’re dealing very well with the crowds. We had around 1,700 people through for breakfast, and we dealt with it really well.

“Last night, we had something like 700 people through the doors straight away for dinner. After we served them, we said ‘OK, let’s have our dinner,’ but then another 700 came in. It’s a challenge, but we seem to be on top of it.

“The timings are the hardest part, getting everything ready on time, and then everyone wants to be fed very quickly. We’re doing our best to meet expectations.

“With the volume we’re doing you can’t please everyone, but we’ve had lovely comments. I just hope my feet hold out.”

Beverley Stevenson, 41, is attending her fourth Limmud, and said: I love the food. I thought it was excellent last night; there was so much choice.”
Ms Stevenson, from Liverpool, added: “My son is allergic to dairy, eggs and nuts, but they catered for everybody. Because all the family food is done in a separate building, it’s really easy to get to.”

Cynthia Tyler, 64, travelled from Atlanta, Georgia.

She said: “The tagine last night was delicious. I’ve been to a number of conferences, probably close to 20, and they’re doing a good job on the food here. I have absolutely no complaints.”