Dartmouth’s fabulous food festival is back!

After a year off due to Covid cancellations the 19th annual festival returns to the events calendar from October 22 to 24.

With a huge blend of free and ticketed events this foodie heaven is a veritable feast of chef demonstrations, workshops, talks, exhibitors - and tons of tastings - across the town.

Festival chairman Sheila Shribman said: "The wine seminars will once again be held at Browns and usually sell out fast. The Market Square will be buzzing as usual with goodies and some live music. And don’t miss the Festival Bar, kindly supplied by our major sponsors Salcombe Gin again."

Award-winning chef Mitch Tonks is the festival’s headline sponsor - as well as one of the crowd-pleasing demonstrators. And this year Dartmouth Town Council is also a major sponsor for the first time. The Seahorse Restaurant is again a major sponsor of the weekend.

The Food Matters Tent, next to the Dartmouth Visitor Centre, will be packed with food and drink stalls and free events all weekend, including talks on sustainable farming, diet and even the link between the Covid pandemic and diet - with Professor Tim Spector OBE.

New Business Award winner this year is the Fresh Flour Company in Buckfastleigh, who will have a stall at the festival, alongside more than 120 other food and drink retailers.

Dartmouth Food Festival is a "not for profit" organisation and any spare cash goes towards the festival’s children’s day and community lunch.

All necessary Covid precautions will be in place throughout the weekend.

It’s been a difficult year for the food and hospitality industry throughout the pandemic.

Sheila said: "We’ve worried for all our contacts in the food, wine and hospitality business and are relieved to see many coming back. It’s a joy to go out to our excellent local restaurants again, although finding staff has been a big challenge understandably.

"Our wonderful food festival team of committee volunteers has pressed on with plans and there are some wonderful guests coming again this year and some great new faces. We look forward to seeing you all there!"

Tickets and more information are available on the festival’s website at www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com

Programmes will be available at festival outlets throughout the weekend.