There are still two months to go until the Ipswich Vegan Festival comes to town - but in the meantime the organiser has shared her recommendations for eating out in Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: What is your favourite Vegan food? Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVALWhat is your favourite Vegan food? Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVAL

Sheena Fairless, 50, hosts festivals all over the country and is bringing the Ipswich Vegan Festival to ITFC’s ground in Portman Road this autumn. It will be the third time it has been held in town.

A vegan herself, she has three recommendations for those in Suffolk keen to try meat and dairy free fayre - The Museum Street Cafe and Hullabaloo in Ipswich and The Vegetarian Red Lion in Great Bricett.

Hullabaloo are one of a number of Suffolk business supporting the festival, they will have a stand there alongside Suffolk Animal Save, Suffolk Vegan Society, and Pudz Animal Sanctuary.

Ipswich Star: Treat yourself to some Vegan nachos Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVALTreat yourself to some Vegan nachos Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVAL

The event, which attracted a crown of 1,200 last year, will also have a focus on raising awareness about animal cruelty.

Sheena said: “We want to show people the cruelty involved with not being vegan, the health benefits are an added bonus. When I became vegan over 10 years ago there was no choice, but now there is so much choice so I think that is why it has become so popular. It is 2018 and animals still go through so much cruelty and it isn’t necessary.”

Referring to the health benefits, Sheena continued: “I have been a vegetarian since I was a small child and a vegan for the last 11 years, I have always been healthy and never have to go to the doctors so I feel it is better health wise.

Ipswich Star: Some of the foods at the Ipswich Vegan Festival Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVALSome of the foods at the Ipswich Vegan Festival Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVAL

“You hear about all the stories about how red meats and processed meats are bad for you and by being vegan the odds are in your favour.”

The festival will have hot vegan food, cakes and plenty of free samples to try. There will also be inspiring talks, information and advice and a variety of stalls selling all things vegan.

There will be live entertainment with acoustic music and kids entertainment. The festival is open to everyone including vegetarians and meat eaters.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Vegan Festival last year Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVALIpswich Vegan Festival last year Picture: IPSWICH VEGAN FESTIVAL (Image: Archant)

The event will take place on Sunday, October 14, from 10am until 4pm. Entry is £3 and under 5s are free.