THIS Saturday the highly anticipated Christchurch Food and Wine Festival will be starting in the town.

The Mayor of Christchurch will open the event, which will be attended by celebrity chefs Lesley Waters and Gary Rhodes.

Now in its tenth year, the Christchurch Food Festival is regarded as one of the best food festivals in the UK and this year’s will run all week until Sunday May 17.

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 first 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.

Keeping the little ones occupied during the festival is the Kid’s Kitchen in Druitt Hall, which will be open on the first weekend (May 9 and 10).

■ For more details visit christchurchfoodfest.

co.uk.