WIMBORNE’S newest food retailer has thrown its weight behind the town’s food festival.

Supermarket giant Waitrose, which hopes to open its new store in the town in July, will sponsor the Daily Echo-backed Wimborne Food Festival, which will be held on October 23 and 24.

Festival organiser Clare Kavanagh described the supermarket’s sponsorship as “great news”, adding that the festival and Waitrose had a “shared ethos”.

“Every year we have grown and I am delighted that Waitrose have joined us on our journey – I am sure it will be a long and happy partnership,” said Clare.

The free festival will be held for the fourth time this year, with more than 8,000 people expected to visit the showcase for independent food producers, winemakers and chefs.

Waitrose branch manager Ian Burdekin said the festival would give the store the inside track on the area’s best local food producers.

“The Wimborne Food Festival shares our passion for celebrating quality local food and ensuring producers are given every opportunity to develop their business.

“The festival plays an important role in achieving this, providing a platform to showcase these local treasures and giving people, including our own local food buyer, the chance to discover more about them.” A local chef’s showcase is one of the main attractions, with country craft demonstrations and numerous tastings on offer to food-conscious adults.

Children can enjoy street performers, “food factory zones” for budding chefs, and diverting tales in the storytelling teepee.

For more information, visit wimbornefoodfestival.co.uk