A FESTIVAL celebrating the regions finest food and drink is to be held next month.

A FESTIVAL celebrating the regions finest food and drink is to be held next month.

The Ipswich Food, Drink and Gardens Festival will take place in Christchurch Park in Ipswich at the end of May.

As well as food, drink, flowers and plants there will be celebrity cookery demonstrations and live music.

Sponsored by The Evening Star, the festival is being held in association with Southwold brewers Adnams.

The best of British food will be available from dozens of stalls, while a continental market will offer food from around Europe.

New Generation steel band and the Suffolk School of Samba will provide a summery soundtrack to the occasion.

Visitors will get the chance to determine Ipswich's best banger in a sausage tasting competition, plus anyone with a robust palate can dare to take the chilli sauce challenge.

Green-fingered festival-goers can also pick up free gardening tips from the experts.

Don Quinn, director of festival promoter Snake in the Grass Ltd, said: “We are all very excited about our festival in Ipswich.

“We are ready to go with lots of stalls, entertainment, demonstrations and information about local food.

“We have had tremendous support from local producers and from Ipswich Borough Council to help us create this wonderful event in the town.”

The festival opens in Christchurch Park at 10.30am on Saturday May 23, with access from the Park Road and Westerfield Road gates, and continues from 10.30am on Sunday May 24.