Bumper weekend for food fans in Melton

Tasting will be the order of the day for a lot of visitors at this year's Melton Food Festival PHOTO: Tim Williams

Now in its 13th consecutive year, this will be a record number of exhibitors at the festival that is now the largest in the Midlands and one of the largest in the country.

At this year’s event, there will also be an international street food area with delicacies including traditional English, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free, Sri Lankan, South African, Mediterranean and Asian.

There will also be a professional food theatre where visitors can enjoy a full programme of talks and demonstrations. Children have their own dedicated Family Fun Area where they can learn about food with practical hands experiences.

Entertainment will be provided by the New St George Morris dancers and the Melstrum Ukulele Band.

Dr Matthew O’Callaghan OBE and chairman of the Melton Mowbray Food Partnership, said: “The Melton Food Festival is a staple entry in the UK’s food calendar and we’re confident that this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet!

“As well as the old favourites including the world-famous Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Stilton Cheese, all produced locally, there will be many stands with delicious food and drink for people to see, taste and buy.

“We also want to see small local producers at the festival. We’re looking at a special rate for these local heroes to come and take a stand a stand at the event.

Tickets for the festival (October 1 and 2) are priced at £6 or £5 if booking in advance. Children under 16 are free. For more details visit www.meltonmowbrayfoodfestival.co.uk

The festival is organised by the Melton Mowbray Food Partnership with main sponsorship from Samworth Brothers and support from the Melton Mowbray Market.

Melton will also host another major food festival in November when thefirst-ever ChocFest comes to town.

ChocFest is a festival of all things chocolate with tastings, demonstrations, talks, workshops and plenty of associated food and drink to buy from some of the UK’s best local producers.

For more information about tickets, times, event location and dates visit www.ukchocfest.co.uk