A CELEBRITY chef will show off his skills at an exciting city centre event.

Colchester’s Food and Drink Festival will return to Castle Park on June 24 and 25.

With three new bars and more than 120 food and drink stalls the weekend promises to have something for everyone.

Among the exhibits will be a cooking demonstration organised by Chef Academy which will be fronted by celebrity chef Joe Hurd.

Gazette: Celebrity chef - Joe HurdCelebrity chef - Joe Hurd (Image: Project Taste)

Joe is well known for his being a regular contributor to the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and he has worked alongside Jamie Oliver, Gennaro Contaldo, Francesco Mazzei, and Antonio Carluccio.

While many event organisers have hiked entry fees as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, the Food and Drink Festival has maintained its prices for a fourth consecutive year.

Festival director Don Quinn said: “The cost of running an event has gone up by about 30 per cent but we are doing our bit to celebrate Colchester’s city status and the festival’s 21st birthday by keeping our prices down.

“Parking is still free and children under 14 are still free, making it one of the cheapest and best days out you can get.”

Gazette: Tasty - A barbecue went down a treat at last year's Colchester Food and Drink FestivalTasty - A barbecue went down a treat at last year's Colchester Food and Drink Festival


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More than 120 stalls will be selling street food and hot and cold gourmet goodies which festivalgoers can enjoy in the park or take home as a weekend treat.

A craft marquee will sell handmade items and a new prosecco bar will provide glasses of bubbly and cocktails while a real ale bar will serve Colchester’s finest beer.

Foodies will also be able to enjoy live music throughout the weekend from local musicians, organised by the popular High Street venue Coda.

Last year’s event, which saw the festival return in full for the first time since the start of the Covid pandemic, went down a treat with taste testers, attracting around 7,000 visitors across the two days.

The joyous weekend saw guests sample mouth-watering bites to eat while also gulping down a whole host of thirst-quenching beverages. This year’s festival will raise money for Help for Heroes and the Scouts.

Tickets start from £6. 

More information about the festival and ticketing can be found at foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk.

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