PREPARATIONS for Burham-on-Sea’s second food festival this year are well underway, with more than 130 of Somerset’s finest food and drink producers scheduled to appear.

Now in its fifth year, the award-winning festival, Eat: Burnham-on-Sea, will see food and drink producers, live entertainment and cookery workshops fill town streets on October 21.

The Weekly News spoke to the event’s organisers, Beverley and Sarah Milner Simonds, to get the lowdown on what will be at this year’s festival.

“We have made a few tweaks this time, like we can’t use the Princess Theatre, so we have focused more on The Ritz - which works well as we coincide with their cider and music festival,” co-organiser Sarah said.

“They are hosting our Hawksmoor Cookery School and the Hot Wings Competition later in the day, plus our Retreat Music Stage will be outside. “

Sarah said the focus of this year’s festival will be learning and a variety of cookery masterclasses with wellknown chefs including Ben Forte, Nigel Smith and Steve Fowell, will be hosted around the town.

Fellow co-organiser Beverley said she is ‘really pleased’ with the line up of traders and activities planned for this year’s festival, which will be the town’s 11th in five years.

“The positivity from visitors and traders about this festival spurs us on to get more creative and include more and more free elements,” Beverley said.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners, the district council and of course our volunteer stewards.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming the livestock and giant tractors who help us tell the story of the connection between the countryside that surrounds us, food production and the amazing range of produce on sale at the festival.”

For more visit burnhamonseafoodfestival.org or email hello@eatfestivals.org