IT is hard to believe that it is June already and the finishing plans are being made for the eighth Crediton Food and Drink Festival brought to you by Crediton Arts Centre.

On Saturday, June 18 the Town Square and Market Street will be bursting with stalls offering a range of local produce to eat or drink on-the-spot as well as take-away food and beverages whilst the marquee will be the place to see the ever-popular demonstrations.

These range from a cream tea in 30 minutes to butchery, sour dough pizzas, fish and charcuterie - there will be something for everyone starting at 11am on through to mid-afternoon.

The organisers have had to change the running order a little since printing the programmes so the advice is to please look at the website: www.creditonfoodfestival.co.uk for up-to-date schedules.

It is expected that there will be some lively street entertainment with the Mummers who will be going along on the Saturday morning and some busking and don’t forget the special raffle – one on Saturday and one on Sunday where stallholders contribute to prizes to make up some wonderful and varied food and drink hampers.

Il Casita are once again offering a special Food Festival menu throughout June with three delicious courses for £24.50 at their restaurant at St Lawrence’s Green.

Saturday evening brings a transformation of the Town Square into a live music venue complete with bar and stalls offering a wide range of tasty food – something for everyone’s taste whether traditional or exotic.

To help the party mood there will be an eclectic mix of music including blues, bluegrass, reggae and much more from some very talented local musicians including “Ryn”, “The Yellabellies” and “Dakar Audio Club”. The evening is a great chance to meet with friends, tap your feet or dance the evening away from 8pm to 11pm.

Sunday sees the return of the popular Big Sunday Lunch – another chance to choose food and drink from the many stalls with space to sit down and eat with friends.

There will be more music – this time the laid-back tones of the Moon Jazz and Blues Club House Band with some special guest appearances from young jammers.

The winners of the Crediton Short Story Competition – this year around the theme of food – will be announced at 12 noon.

There will be roving story-telling and two static story shows at 12.45pm and 2pm from Isabella’s Story Bicycle, and a special encouragement to “commit a random act of kindness” – intrigued? Well, go along and find out more!

A couple of pieces of logistics – please note Market Street will be closed to all traffic from early Saturday through until late Sunday afternoon to allow space for stalls, tables and seating.

FREE PARKING IN ST SAVIOUR’S CAR PARK

The Festival is also pleased to be able to announce that Mid Devon District Council has suspended parking charges in St Saviour’s Car Park on Saturday, June 18.

So from 10.30am to 3pm and 8pm to 11pm Saturday, June 18 and 12 noon to 3pm Sunday, June 19 there is no better place to be than Crediton Town Square.

All in all something for everyone – and one final thing, entry to the Festival is free throughout the weekend. See you there!

To keep up-to-date please visit the website: www.creditonfoodfestival.co.uk .