ITALIAN chefs will be setting up in Castle Park this weekend to bring their twist to some traditional seafood dishes.

Final preparations are beingmade for the Slow Food Seafood Festival, which is coming to Colchester for the first time tomorrow and Sunday.

Slow Food is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to promote a better way to eat, celebrate food traditions and protect our edible biodiversity.

This is the first time the movement is holding a festival in the town.

Don Quinn and Terry Croucher, from Food and Drink Festivals UK which organises the Colchester Food and Drink Festival, are organising the event on behalf of the group.

Mr Quinn said: “Preparations are going swimmingly, we’ve got some really top chefs coming.

“It’s something people shouldn’t miss.

“Colchester will be on the global map, and next year it is going to be huge.

“This is the pilot for the future – it’s really important we get it right, which we will.”

A team of chefs from Marche and Sicily will be teaming up with local fishermen and cooking up some of their specialities.

Mr Quinn said: “People like their seafood, but it’s not just about seafood.

“There are gourmet burgers and steaks.

“Although it is a seafood festival, it is for everybody.

“The reaction has been fabulous. People are looking forward to it.”

There will be a selection of entertainment on offer for children, including donkey rides and bouncy castles.

Youngsters can also attend Taste Adventure sessions, where they will be encouraged to experience their food through sight, sound, touch, smell and taste.

Mr Quinn said: “It’s so kids can get used to different tastes and smells.

“It is good for them to understand where things occur on your tongue.”

Entry is £2 and children go free.

Colchester’s mayor Theresa Higgins will officially open the festival.

Free parking is available at Kings Meadow.