FROM farm-fresh fare to gourmet flair, Wimborne is serving up a huge helping of delicious events as the Wimborne Food Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, September 20.

Serving up sizzling street food to gourmet experiences, the festival promises a foodie feast for the senses and a Saturday packed with delicious discoveries at this free event which takes place around the town.

The main festival site is at Willow Walk near Waitrose where visitors can enjoy a programme jam-packed with free cookery talks and demonstrations.

Headlining this year are top local chefs George Williams, a former competitor on TV’s Masterchef, and Christian Ørner – top chocolatier.

Christian, hailed as Dorset’s answer to Willy Wonka will be a must-see for all chocoholics while George will be cooking up delicious Dorset-inspired dishes using local ingredients from Wimborne food retailers.

Those that don’t know their Beaujolais from their Bordeaux, there’s a wine tasting talk and tastings from Wimborne Wine Society as well as a chance to learn how to ‘grow your own’ from Museum of East Dorset gardener Jolyon Lockhart.

Dorset’s Friendly Food Club charity returns this year with a demo on how to make a delicious veggie feast on a budget.

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As well as savouring the talks and tastings in the demonstration tent, visitors can eat their way around a host of food and drinks stalls– many offering free samples. There will also be a pop-up bar courtesy of The Butcher’s Dog craft beer house.

Pop up pints from Butcher’s Dog craft beer bar Picture: Wimborne BID

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

East Street and Church Street will be closed to traffic from 7.30am until 7pm to create a buzzy café culture with alfresco street dining, food samples and live music so visitors can enjoy toe-tapping tunes as they tuck into their favourite dish.

On the Minster Green, there will be a variety of foodie stalls to browse. Festival organisers Wimborne BID and Dacombes of Wimborne are proud to support this celebration of local food and drink.

Matt Renaut from Dacombes of Wimborne said: “Wimborne has always had a vibrant food scene and this festival is a celebration of everything we love—community, creativity, independent businesses and of course, incredible food.”

BID Director Liam Upton and manager of Wimborne pub, The Coach and Horses said: “Wimborne’s celebration of food and drink is a great way to attract visitors to Wimborne and reflects the host of great food and drink businesses in the town as well as celebrating Dorset produce.”

From artisan bites to gourmet delights, this year’s festival promises to be the tastiest yet.

“Entry is free and taste buds are guaranteed to be excited! So you can enjoy a tipple or two and travel the environmentally friendly way, Morebus are offering 20% discount on day rider tickets on the day of the festival,” a spokesperson added.

“Simply quote WFD20 when using their mobile app.“

Visit www.wimbornefoodfestival.com to find out more or pick up a free Festival programme from businesses around the town.