THE highly anticipated Christchurch Food and Wine Festival is upon us once again, kicking off next Friday.

Now in its 11th year, the event is regarded as one of the best food festivals in the UK and this year’s will run all week until Sunday May 16.

Visitors can expect free cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, plus a host of local chefs during the first weekend of the festival.

An international food market also takes place over the weekend, which is a free event with live entertainment.

This has developed into a popular attraction and draws thousands of people to the town centre.

The number of stalls in the market, which takes place in the pedestrianised High Street, has grown to more than 100 in recent years, selling a wide variety of food and drink.

Although Gary Rhodes can’t make it this year, celebrity chef and festival patron, Lesley Waters, will be showing us all how it is done.

Keeping the little ones occupied this year is the Kid’s Kitchen, which will be open on the first weekend (May 8 and 9). Tickets are £3 each, which includes food and equipment – all kids need to do is bring an apron. Liz Farrow, a lecturer at the Bournemouth and Poole College, will be teaching youngsters how to make fresh pasta and a delicious sauce to go with it.

Celebrated Indian chef, Cyrus Todiwala, will join Lesley in taking cookery demonstrations, while most of Christchurch’s pubs, bars and restaurants will be getting into the spirit of things, offering a range of special offers for visitors.

For a detailed timetable of events and for more information about the Christchurch Food Festival, visit christchurchfoodfest.co.uk.