FOOD and drink connoisseurs will be heading to a Herefordshire town next month for its annual winter festival which has made a name for itself on the local event calendar .

The 11th Kington Food and Drink Festival takes place on Saturday, December 5, and organisers say that more stalls than ever are booked for this year.

Starting with 18 traders the event has grown in size and stature each year leading to an estimated 3,000 people descending on the town last year.

Organiser Pam Peek said: "It started 11 years-ago as a chamber of trade initiative to get more people into Kington and since then it has grown in size.

"We are just trying to put the place on the map with this good little free event. It was predicted we had 3,000 visitors last year which is great for a little town on the border.

"About three-years-ago my partner said why don't I knock it on the head, but I knew we had to wait for the event to get established.

"Now we have got over 70 stalls booked offering a large variety of food, wine and all things to do with the kitchen.

"All the trade stands are geared up for the festive season and come mainly from Herefordshire and the Welsh border counties."

The event is running from 9.30am until to 3pm with a variety of stalls under the cover of marquees.

Mrs Peek says that stalls booked include a bakers, chocolatiers, preserves, wine, French goods and cured meats.

There will also be a cookery shop, a wine tasting competition and the coveted the Real Ale challenge trophy.

"Whilst walking around and taking in the stalls listen out for our pop up street music it could be anything from a street saxophonist to a full on choir adding to the festive spirit," added Mrs Peek.

"Not to forget the children, we have a craft workshop in the Burton Hotel making Christmas decorations and festive cards. You never know Santa Claus might make a special stop from the North Pole."

For more information call 01544 231202 or email mppeek@btinternet.com.