FESTIVAL-goers can soon put their sausage-eating skills to the test in an event set to hit the city for the first time.

Sausage and Cider Festival will be coming to Southampton’s Engine Rooms as part of a UK-wide tour across 11 locations.

With over 25 different types of ciders available, including rum and chocolate flavours, fans of the fruity drink can get their taste of the range on offer on Saturday February 22.

A gin bar, prosecco bar, craft beer and soft drinks will also be sold throughout the day.

From at least 15 different varieties of sausages, such as cranberry and stilton sausages to bratwursts of between eight and 12 inches, vegans can also enjoy a meat-free Veganwurst.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “We are extremely excited to bring Sausage and Cider Fest to Southampton and The Engine Rooms after over 20 amazing events in cities around the UK.”

Competitions such as how many sausages someone can eat in two minutes and a chilli-eating contest, which features the world’s hottest chilli, can be entered by visitors.

They added: “You can expect to see some of best craft ciders from all over the UK, including Topical Flavour Cider, Rhubarb Cider, Mango & Lime and a whole range of apple ciders - this along with at least 15 different types of sausage flavour and eating competitions such as our famous Chilli Eating contest.”

Live music with an in-house band and DJ acts will also be played during the festival.

There will be one session from 12pm to 5pm, and another between 6pm and 11pm.

Tickets start from £10 and can be bought at www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/southampton.