It is the 18th Christchurch Food Festival this weekend and thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the town.

Here's what is happening over the weekend:

  • Festival Market

Once again the Festival Street Market will take over the town centre with stalls along the High Street creating a foodie heaven of produce, ingredients, gadgets, snacks and books, many of which boast fine local provenance. There will be more than 100 stalls in the main High Street and Alley Market area.

  • Festival Village​

The Village on Christchurch Quay is home to a local beer festival and Conker Gin’s unique Dorset Dry Gin. Over in the Kids’ Kitchen junior chefs can per-book cookery sessions. From coffee to flapjacks, pizza and grilled cheese, there will be something to suit everyone's appetite.

  • Demonstrations

On Christchurch Quay, the demonstration tent will be set-up for performances by different chefs over the weekend. This will include festival patron and TV chef Lesley Waters and her special guests including Master Chef winner and resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine, Dean Edwards, and chocolatier Alana Spencer who won The Apprentice last year.

Renowned nutritionist Barbara Cox, artisan bakers Bakehouse 24, the Chewton Glen’s executive head chef Luke Matthews and Andrew Gault and Tommo Quy, respectively head chef and bartender at the Captain’s Club, also feature.

  • Church Street

In the New Business Start Up Quarter in Church Street, local firms including Ministry of Fudge, Drop the Anchor Brewery, Princess Macaroons, Chilli & Co, Gingernut Goodies and Plantlife Foods will he sharing their wares.

  • Saxon Square​

New for this year, Saxon Square is home to barbecue experts Broil who will be showing off their considerable skills and offering some expert tuition for would-be garden grillers to pick up some tips for the summer. There will also be the Wave 105 bar set-up.

  • Druitt Hall and Gardens

​Dorset Made Food showcases artisan food producers, crafts and gifts.

  • The Kings Arms’ Family Fun Day

This will take place on Sunday from 10am with a big band playing live on the lawn with tasty treats from Mr Ferrett’s Ice Cream, Emily’s Little Fudge Kitchen and Coles Candy Floss as well as Diamond Face Painters, trampolines and a giant inflatable slide.

  • Parking

​There will be a paid for park and stride car park for 2017.

This will be based at Stanpit Recreation Ground, and operated by the local Air Traffic Corps (ATC). 

The cost is £5 for the day and is a 10-15 minute walk to the town centre.

The car park is open from 10am to 5pm, and the gates will be locked at 7pm.

  • Opening times

​Everything opens at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, and will close at 6pm on Saturday and Sunday at 5pm.