BILLED as 'Britain's Tastiest Food Festival', visitors to this year's spectacular Nantwich Food and Drink Festival can tantalise their taste buds with over 2,000 regionally produced gourmet foods, washed down with guided beer and wine tastings.

More than 25,000 people are expected to sample local delicacies, as featured in the Gourmet Food Marquee, where 90 specialist food producers pack stalls full of the finest fresh, smoked, pickled, marinated, char-grilled, baked and roasted food and drink.

New this year, Speakers' Corner on Mill Island offers expert talks on orchards, fair trade, vegetarianism and cheese.

Other specials on the menu for the weekend, from September 23 to 25, are professional cookery demonstrations headlined by TV celebrity chefs from Ready Steady Cook, Kevin Woodford and Ross Burden.

The Farmers' Market boasts around 30 local producers and is widely recognised as one of the finest farmers' markets in Britain.

The fifth annual hopes to inspire the chefs of tomorrow in a Kid's Kitchen where healthy eating expert Amanda Grant will be giving practical cookery sessions for the 'half-pints'.

These 'sleeves rolled-up' activities will captivate kids with quirky food facts.

Interactive country pursuits bring a slice of the countryside to the town on Sunday, with shire horses, pottery workshops, thatching, falconry and a traditional craft market. Guided trails will be arranged round Nantwich food and drink outlets, where special promotions and demonstrations will take place.

Many events are free, though there is a small charge for the Gourmet Food Marquee and beer festival.

Tickets for special events including champagne, chocolate and beer tastings are available from Nantwich Tourist Information Centre on 01270 610983.