FOODIES will be flocking to Wimborne later this year as the town’s popular food festival returns for its second year.

A feast of flavours, fun and food delights awaits festivalgoers – and this year’s festival is packed with cooking demonstrations, expert talks, local produce stalls, and pop-up foodie experiences all around town.

The Wimborne Food Festival is taking place on September 20 from 11am to 4pm.

Throughout Wimborne, food lovers can explore artisan delights, with the Dorset Farmers Market in Wimborne Square showcasing the best in local produce—fresh vegetables, juicy apples, top-notch cheeses, artisan bread, prime meats and locally caught fish.

George Williams of TV’s MasterChef fame will be cooking up delights in the demonstration tent on Willow Walk.

This young doctor from Sturminster Marshall will reveal just why he decided to enter MasterChef and what it’s really like to be a contestant on this high-pressure show.

Joining George at the festival is Christian Ørner, who will be holding a talk that chocoholics will not want to miss.

Christian, a multi-award-winning private chef, chocolatier, and TEDx speaker, heads up SALT Cø, a Poole-based company that brings the restaurant experience to your own home and even does the washing up.

Liz Crow, market lead for Wimborne Farmers’ Market, said: “We’re so chuffed to join in with the Wimborne Food Festival this year and showcase our Dorset farmers’ market stalls in the square.

“It’s the perfect time to dig into Dorset’s early autumn goodies, all grown, baked, caught, or crafted by our passionate producers. Drop by and say hello!”

East Street and Church Street will be closed to create a buzzy café culture with alfresco street dining, food samples and live music. On the Minster Green, there will be a variety of food stalls to browse.

There’s also a chance for visitors to grab their aprons and get involved with the culinary action.

Private chef and chocolatier Christian Ørner Picture: Wimborne BID

This year, to celebrate the 80th anniversaries of VE (Victory in Europe) and VJ (Victory over Japan) Days, judges will be looking for the ultimate home-baked British cake – the Victoria sponge.

Entries can be bought to the Dacombes of Wimborne stand at Willow Walk from 2.30pm with judging at 3pm.

Slices will be sold afterwards to raise funds for the Mayor of Wimborne’s charities. The top prize is a stunning £150 NEFF induction pan set, kindly donated by Dacombes of Wimborne.

Festival organisers Wimborne BID and Dacombes of Wimborne are proud to support this celebration of local food and drink.

Wimborne Food Festival set to serve up a huge menu of events and attractions Picture: Wimborne BID

Dacombes of Wimborne managing director Matt Renaut said: “Wimborne has so much to offer when it comes to food and drink, evidenced by the recent coverage for many of our wonderful food and drink outlets in Condé Nast Traveller magazine.”

Wimborne BID director Sam Devlin said: “The first festival last year was a huge success and took us all by surprise, showing there’s definitely an appetite for this kind of event in Wimborne.

“As a BID, we wanted to create an event that showcases the many wonderful food and drink businesses, many of which are independent, that Wimborne has to offer.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Wimborne Food Festival is asked to email Tammy at office@wimborne.info