Leamington Food and Drink Festival offers a sizzling line up of treats

Now in its seventh year, the two-day festival which opens on Saturday September 6, is centred on the Pump Room Gardens and involves restaurants, pubs and butchers.

Organisers BID Leamington said last year it drew around 25,000 visitors.

Attractions this year include celebrity chef Brian Turner showing off his culinary skills and the Live Kitchen will feature demonstrations by restaurants.

Finalists in the Home Cook of the Year competition on Sunday will be judged by Turner and Michelin-star chef Andreas Antona, of the original Simpsons in Kenilworth, and Beef, also in the town.

There will also be a children’s cookery school giving youngsters a chance to learn about food from around the world. The hugely-popular Taste Trail makes a return with around 800 tasters available at ten restaurants in Leaminngton, which this year will cost £1 per ticket, available from the festival information tent.

Other attractions include gin tasting, beer and food pairings, bread making, barbecue and butchery demonstrations.

There will be music on the bandstand, and as well as acts from the Leamington area, entertainment will also include the Canalside Ceilidh Collective and the Jazulu Jazz Trio.

And the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School will be getting into the mood with a special performance inspired by the Mad Hatters Tea Party.

Stephanie Kerr, of BID Leamington, said: “The festival’s reputation is growing far and wide with visitors coming from all over the UK and further afield.

“We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be willing to be a volunteer, even if they can only spare an hour or so.”

To volunteer phone 01926 470634 or email [email protected]

Go to www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk