EVEN after 18 years there’s still plenty of appetite for Christchurch Food Festival with thousands of visitors expected this weekend (MAY6,7) ready to sample fine fare and join in the fun.

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.

As ever there’s a sprinkling of stardust in the shape of festival patron and TV chef Lesley Waters and her special guests. She’ll be found in the Festival Village on the Quay where the Lovett Demonstration Theatre plays host to a series of events involving celebrity chefs such as Master Chef winner and resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine, Dean Edwards, and chocolatier Alan 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.

It’s not just about the food though, and The Village is also 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, while the Soho Pizza Lounge with its wood-fired pizzas, will be a hit with all the family.

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.

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; while in Druitt Hall and Gardens, Dorset Made Food showcases artisan food producers, crafts and gifts.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a raucous ‘yee-har’ as Black Sheep ceilidh band soundtrack the Hoedown Throwdown with its promise of hillbilly food and drink.

The Kings Arms’ Family Fun Day on Sunday from 10am will find 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.

The festival also includes a full programme of special events and offers at a host of eateries in and around Christchurch with great deals, exclusive meals and food-related entertainment.