AN always popular event which attracts thousands of taste-testing foodies every year will return to a city centre beauty spot this weekend.

Colchester Food and Drink Festival, the biggest of its kind in the region, takes place in Lower Castle Park this Saturday and Sunday between 10.30am and 5pm.

The extravaganza, which is free for under 14s, will feature a range of stalls selling everything from mouth-watering bites to eat and thirst-quenching beverages.

The all-day occasion, which guests very much still have an appetite for 18 years on, will also play host to the Pikestaff Inn real ale bar, offering ciders and lagers.

Drinkers will even be able to purchase a four-pint ‘growler’ of the events range of wonderful ales to either drink onsite or take home with them.

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Dogs with responsible owners can also be taken to the disabled-friendly event and free parking is available in Kings Meadow.

A spokesman for the festival said: “There will be lots of old favourites and this year we have some new and exciting stalls and products to tempt you.

“Featuring lots of different stalls with local and international food and drink, there will be so much to see and try.

“Relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this much-loved festival, have a picnic, listen to music or stroll around the stalls trying the artisan produced local goodies.”

Tickets, starting at £5 per adult, can be purchased at foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk.