THE popular Great Malvern Food Festival is set to tickle the taste buds once again when it makes its return this month.

Now in its ninth year, the free artisan food festival will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, May 27, in the grounds of Great Malvern Priory.

Attracting around 6,000 visitors each year, the fun-filled day will offer more than 60 carefully selected artisan market stalls selling everything from local cheese and English wine to locally distilled gin, pastries, and cakes.

The event runs from 10am to 5pm, and visitors will have the chance to watch cookery demonstrations in The Glebe Cookery Theatre which will be presented by BBC Hereford and Worcester host Andrew Easton.

They will also be able to relax and enjoy some locally brewed beer, fine English wine and distilled gin at the new Bar On The Glebe.

Demonstrations will be held by the Our Lizzy Cookery School, BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Saturday chef Matt Slocombe, and chocolate artist Prudence Staite, who will be returning by popular demand to conjure up edible chocolate masterpieces.

A series of talks and tastings will be held on the day by local producers including Croome Cuisine, Astley Vineyard, Hussingtree Gin and Lovell’s Vineyard.

The Rock Choir and local band Blue Moon will be providing live music, with guest appearances by other artists.

Victoria Carman, economic development officer at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The Great Malvern Food Festival is one of the most popular events in the town’s social calendar and is awaited with much excitement by residents and visitors. We look forward to welcoming people from far and wide to sample the delicious delights on offer.”

The festival has been supported this year by Audley Ellerslie and Aldwyn’s at Ellerslie restaurant, with the Malvern branch of Waitrose running the Glebe Cookery Theatre. the Three Counties Showground Bar On The Glebe, and Worcestershire Food and Drink Association the Priory Stage.

Visit visitthemalverns.org/foodfest for the full programme and more information.