NOW in its 11th year, the Christchurch Food and Wine Festival has forged a reputation as being one of the best gastronomic festivals in the UK.

Starting this Friday, the 10-day event galvanizes the small town of Christchurch, bringing its inhabitants and visitors together through their mutual love of food and drink.

With Lesley Waters the patron of the event and Gary Rhodes a frequent guest (although he won’t be there this year) the festival isn’t short of a sprinkling of celebrity chef stardust.

As ever Lesley, along with celebrated Indian chef, Cyrus Todiwala, will be taking cookery demonstrations throughout the festival, imparting favourite recipes and tips.

Keeping its family friendly ethos, the festival will keep youngsters out of mischief with the Kid’s Kitchen, a culinary class for youngsters.

Liz Farrow, a lecturer at the Bournemouth and Poole College, will teach budding Blumenthals how to make fresh pasta and a delicious sauce to go with it.

Providing you haven’t gorged yourself walking through the street stalls, the event is a great time to capitalise on the deals certain restaurants, pubs and bars are offering to coincide with the festival. Although primarily aimed at showcasing local produce (and local talent for that matter), the festival will offer diverse food and drink from around the world at the international food market.

“The market is a great draw for thousands of people,” says the festival’s president, Mary Reader.

“Once again we have a huge choice of events during the ten days of the Festival and I would encourage everyone to get a programme or look at the website and try some of the many offerings from local restaurants, cafes and tea rooms.”

For more details about the festival visit christchurchfoodfest.co.uk