HALSTEAD’S first Food and Drink festival is due to take place this May, it has been revealed.

Last August, Halstead Town Team announced plans to introduce a festival showcasing local produce.

The Town Team updated Halstead Town Council at a meeting on Monday and revealed plans for the festival had been firmed up.

The festival is set to include a food court in the Weavers Court area, a food-focused activity area and a special market day.

Restaurants will be invited to introduce special fixed price menus for the day, while it is hoped specialist food and drink traders will be invited to compliment the usual market.

Jonathan Lidster, chairman of the Town Team, said the idea was inspired by the success of the annual Christmas Fair.

He said: “The Christmas Fair has become bigger and better and it does dramatically increase the number of visitors to the High Street.

“It’s about utilising the large number of eateries in Halstead.

“It’s unusual for a town this size to have so many pubs and restaurants, so as a group of residents here we want to celebrate that and encourage people to come here.

“Something like this needs the support of all retailers, they need to really come together now and help us put on great events, and not just one-off events.”

The festival will run for 11 days, starting on Thursday, May 4 and finishing on Sunday, May 14.

The main event will be held on Saturday, May 13.

Mr Lidster said he is looking to invite honey producers, drink manufacturers and cake makers to draw in crowds.

He said: “It’s still very early days and we have already had a couple of retailers respond positively.

“It’s not just about what we have got here in Halstead, it’s about encouraging people from further afield.”

Mick Radley, a Halstead town councillor who is also involved in organising the event, said it would be a trial the first time around but he is looking forward to it.

He said: “It’s something we are striving towards and I’d be really happy if we can deliver that.

“I think it’s a new and exciting event for the town and I do hope it goes well.”

Last week, town trader Mitch Redman told the Gazette he believed Halstead had the potential to attract more tourists wanting a quintessentially English experience.