THE food festival dubbed 'Gastro-Glastonbury is preparing for a huge weekend of gastronomic delights in Winchester!

Featuring MasterChef and Bake Off champions, plus chart-topping favourites Scouting For Girls, Foodies Festival is to go ahead just before 'Freedom Day' with current Covid rules in place.

The event, which takes place at Devils Island for the first time from July 16 to 18, features celebrity chefs, headline music acts and over 150 exhibitors.

Award-winning chefs taking part in the Foodies series this summer, include Alex Webb, MasterChef: The Professionals champion, 2020 MasterChef winner Thomas Frake, and Hampshire based stars Dave Friday of Bake Off fame and MasterChef champions Jane Devonshire and Shelina Permaloo.

Shelina Permaloo, who owns Lakaz Maman in Bedford Place, said: "I’m so pleased to be heading back to a festival and meeting people after such a strange time for everyone. I will be showcasing a delicious recipe that we cook at my restaurant in Southampton. I’m excited to enjoy this wonderful day out with family and friends!”

Dave Friday GBBO Finalist 2020 added: “I am really excited to be part of this event, Foodies Festival really gets me excited for summer so I will be whipping up some delicious desserts to get everyone feeling those summer vibes.”

Many of the regions best loved award-winning chefs will also be out in force, including Matt Noonan from Michelin starred The Black Rat, Shunji Irokawa from Michelin starred Kyoto Kitchen and Luke Emmess from The Wykeham Arms.

The musical feast is just as sumptuous with platinum-selling chart-toppers Scouting For Girls performing their many crowd-pleasing hits, including She’s So Lovely, Heartbeat and Elvis Ain’t Dead. Also on the line-up is top-ranked Lady Gaga tribute act Maybe Gaga and Ultimate Coldplay.

Over 50 bands and artists will take to the stage across the long weekend.

Foodies Festival began in 2004 and was rapidly dubbed the Gastro-Glastonbury. The UK’s biggest food, drink and music event returns with a vengeance this Summer with Covid-safe events in ten British regions.

At the three-day festival, visitors can enjoy the Chefs Theatre, Cake & Bake Theatre, Drinks Theatre with wine, champagne, beer and cocktail making masterclasses, Shopping Village with award-winning artisan producers, Street Food Avenue, Kids Cookery School with a fun teddy bear picnic theme and live music stage.

Other attractions include Foodies famous chilli eating competition featuring a world record attempt, a funfair and family friendly areas with activities for children.

Over 150 exhibitors will showcase their produce. Also appearing on the menu – Matthew Whitfield, head chef of 3 AA Rosette restaurant The Montagu Arms and Alistair Craig from Cambium at Careys Manor and Senspa.

Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com and 0844 9951111.