THE countdown has begun for this year's Christchurch Food and Wine Festival extravaganza.

Thousands of people are expected to attend this year's popular weekend on May 6 and May 7, which is the 18th event since the food festival began.

And there will be changes this year in a bid to keep the festival fresh and exciting.

But the favourite parts of the weekend will remain including the demonstration theatre and popular market.

Opening at 10am on both days, the street market will spread throughout the town centre and down to Christchurch Quay, with more than 100 stalls offering delicious treats.

In Saxon Square, Broil will be doing BBQ demonstrations, while in Druitt Hall and Druitt Gardens, Dorset Made Food will have artisan food producers, crafts people and other entertainment.

Down on Christchurch Quay, the Festival Village, will host the demonstration theatre, with a full timetable of chefs, both celebrity and local, demonstrating a vast array of dishes.

The Kids Kitchen will also be stationed there as well, with Soho Lounge based at the Quay, offering a range of pizzas and Mediterranean food overlooking the river.

For more information, including the schedule for the demonstrations, go to christchurchfoodfest.co.uk.