The streets of Christchurch will be lined with food stalls once again, as the town's ever popular Food Festival returns.

Food lovers can visit the Festival Market, which runs the length of the High Street, and the Festival Village on the Quomps at Christchurch Quay, during the 18th festival.

The market and Festival Village take place on May 6 and 7, while additional events will be taking place in restaurants, pubs and cafes throughout the town during the rest of the month.

Highlights on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 include the Demonstration Marquee with free demonstrations from local chefs and celebrity chefs including Dean Edwards, Master Chef Winner and resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine and Lesley Waters, the Festival’s Patron as well as chocolatier Alana Spencer who was the 2016 winner of BBC's The Apprentice. (Read our interview with Alana on p14.) Also in the Festival Village will be a range of stalls selling food and drink including a Beer Festival.

The Quomps will be the new home for Kids' Kitchen giving children a chance to try their hands at preparing some tasty dishes either on their own or with a parent or guardian. Tickets for the Kids' Kitchen sessions are selling fast and can be bought from The Regent Centre online or in person.

In Saxon Square for the first time the event welcomes Broil who will be demonstrating BBQing – not only for people to watch but to have a go as well.

A number of special events take place during the main Festival weekend including on Friday, May 5 the Perfect Hoedown Throwdown – a lively evening of great food and dancing to the famous Celidh band Black Sheep.

On the evening of Saturday, May 6, Dean Edwards will be demonstrating some of his signature dishes followed by supper and entertainment. Both events are ticketed so visit the Festival website for more information and to book tickets.

Car parking is at a premium during the Festival weekend and visitors are strongly recommended to travel into the town via public transport or park further away.

For 2017 there will be a paid-for Park & Stride car park costing £5 for the whole day. This is at Stanpit Recreation Ground, and will be operated by the local Air Traffic Corps (ATC). The Recreation Ground can be found half way down Stanpit on the outskirts of Christchurch at BH23 3NA. Visitors can then enjoy a pleasant walk to the centre of Christchurch via the cycle path, around the rear of the Civic Offices and then along Bridge Street and Castle Street straight to the Festival Market. This is a flat 10 – 15 minute walk and is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

:: For details of everything the Food Festival has to offer consult the Festival Programme which is available now from venues throughout Christchurch, or visit the festival website christchurchfoodfest.co.uk :: For details of the Highcliffe Revival Food Festival, an off-shoot of the Christchurch event, which takes place on May 20 and 21, read our feature on p35, or go to highclifferevivalfoodfestival.co.uk