BIRMINGHAM is preparing to host one of the midland's biggest food festivals with a recipe of cuisine, music, paintings and theatre.

The Colmore festival in the city centre will feature more than 30 food stalls, cookery demonstrations and live performances in Victoria Square on Friday July 8 and Saturday July 9.

Some of the city’s leading restaurants, bars and hotels will be serving up an array of dishes and drinks at the sixth annual festival.

Java Lounge Coffee House, Philpotts, Jake’s Coffee Box and The Royal Angus Hotel will be making their debut Food Festival appearances alongside Colmore Business District favourites Nosh & Quaff, Opus, Metro, Hotel du Vin and Purecraft Bar & Kitchen.

Michelin-starred Purnell’s, owned by Glynn Purnell, who recently hosted an edition of TV’s Saturday Kitchen, will also have a stall.

The Festival prides itself on its taster dishes at no more than £4 each, allowing visitors to try many different dishes.

The event attracts more than 30,000 visitors and is hosted by Colmore BID (Business Improvement District) to give the district’s businesses an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer.

Taste palates and art palettes will be catered for this year with a special exhibition from Colmore Row-based Reuben Colley Fine Art.

The event is sponsored by The Opus Family, which will have an ‘Opus Garden’ in the heart of the Festival area.

There are also two live stages: One is the kitchen demo stage, where chefs from BID venues can show off their talents and flair with food showcases and workshops.

The second stage plays host to bands and musicians from in and around Birmingham, creating a truly local event. There will be musicians playing covers, original music, rock, pop, blues and jazz, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Michele Wilby, Executive Director, Colmore BID, said: “We’re lucky to work with some fantastic partners, University College Birmingham and Midland Metro.

“UCB have great relationships with the venues in the district and supply students for placements in kitchens, bars and bakeries in the area, while Midland Metro will offer discounted travel to and from the festival on the tram.

The event will be open both days between 11am and7pm.