MORE than 20,000 people are expected to descend on Colchester’s Castle Park this weekend for the town’s annual Food & Drink Festival.

Now in its 12th year, the festival is predicted to be bigger than ever, with 150 traders taking part.

This year, the organisers are offering visitors the chance to win one of 50 handmade shopping bags, worth between £10 and £100 and contributed by various stallholders.

All they need to do is take their entry ticket to the Rose Show marquee, where 50 numbers will be drawn and displayed on a board.

Organiser Don Quinn said: “It is to support Morsbags, a charity which aims to educate people about the dangers of plastic bags to marine wildlife.

“They are brilliant and I will be carrying one throughout the weekend.”

Visitors will be able to see Morsbags being made and even get a free pattern tomake their own in the Rose Showmarquee.

The festival will run for longer this year – until 7pm, instead of 5pm on Saturday, with live music in the beer tent.

Food on offer will range from Spanish cuisine to Moroccan and Mexican food and traditional British favourites.

Seafood, including lobsters, will also be available.

Champagne, prosecco and cocktails will be available at the event’s new bar, while the Pikestaff Inn real ale bar will offer a range of beers, ciders and lagers.

There will also be cocktail shaking classes and a chef will be demonstrating his skills.

For children there will be donkey rides and other attractions.

The Rose Show, which is part of the event, will include craft and cooking classes alongside those for growers.

Festival gates will be open between 10.30am and 7pm on Saturday and 10.30am and 5pm on Sunday.

Entry into Lower Castle Park is via St Peter’s Street.

Tickets are £3.50 for adults, which includes entry to the Rose Show. Free parking will be available in Kings Meadow and dogs on a lead are welcome.

To enter the Rose Show, visit foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk/events and click on “Rose Show Classes”.