THE first Upton House Food & Drink Festival has been announced for three days in late June.

Organisers say the event will have an 'accent on food and drink produced in Dorset' and will accompany some of the county's best home grown bands and singers.

Festival organiser Serena Wren said: "With the government’s roadmap out of lockdown promising the lifting of all social distancing requirements just days before the festival opens, what better way to celebrate getting our lives back than with some of the tastiest food Dorset has to offer?”

"Add to that the company of good friends, great music and the stunning surroundings of Upton County Park and you have the perfect recipe for making the most of the weekend.”

Alongside street food from around the world, there will be entertainment on two stages – one featuring the best regional produce in the hands of top chefs hosting cooking shows and demonstrations, the other a host of top performers including tributes to Arctic Monkeys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stereophonics and Ed Sheeran alongside local artists.

An event spokesman said: "The line up also includes brilliant local artists including cult outfit Numb, always-popular crowd pleasers Mother Ukers and Saints of Sin, emerging singer songwriter Carley Varley and Miss Ruby’s Roadhouse Blues Band.

"Planned during lockdown, the festival is charging a nominal entrance fee and admissions will be managed in six sessions over the three days from 11am until 5pm during the daytime and 5.30pm until 10pm in the evening (11am-3.30pm and 4-8pm Sunday) to control numbers and ensure a safe experience for visitors, traders and staff alike."

The event is set for Friday, 25, Saturday 26, Sunday 27 June at Upton Country Park.

Visit info@uptonhousefoodfestival.com for further information.