It’s back - bigger and better and with a new tourism award tucked under its belt - so join us at this celebration of the very best food and drink from the South West

Great British Life: The Festival won a Gold in the 2013 Devon Tourism AwardsThe Festival won a Gold in the 2013 Devon Tourism Awards (Image: Archant)

The Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink is back for 2014, running from Friday 25 April to Sunday 27 April in Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens. The three-day festival celebrates the outstanding food and drink of the South West, featuring more than 100 regional producers, top chefs, workshops, live music and food-themed activities for all the family.

The festival – which won gold at the 2013 Devon Tourism Awards for Tourism Event of The Year – was co-founded 11 years ago by two-Michelin starred chef Michael Caines and is the perfect opportunity for Devon’s foodies to get a real taste of the South West, to meet the people behind the produce, and to enjoy a foodie day (or an entire weekend) in the Cathedral City.

Visitors can learn from the best in the Festival Cookery Theatre hosted by Michael Caines and featuring a sizzling line up of top culinary talent offering cooking demonstrations, cook-offs and masterclasses throughout the weekend.

More than 100 artisan food producers from across the region will be bringing their finest food and drink to the festival for visitors to stock up on, while the Darts Farm Food is Fun teepees will be serving up a packed timetable of workshops, masterclasses and talks. For younger food fans, the Little Cookies area provides an exciting mix of food-themed activities.

Three Festival After Dark Party nights on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings of the festival, combine delicious local food, local ales and ciders and live music to create a brilliant night out.

The Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink is a not-for-profit event supported by Exeter City Council.

More details at exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Twitter: @ExeterFoodFest

Facebook: www.facebook.com/exeterfoodfestFestival Tickets:

Tickets can be booked in advance.For more information or to buy tickets please visit: exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Festival Day Pass

£7.50 per adult. £1 per child under 16yrs and completely free for children under 5yrs*

Festival Weekend Pass – entry for all three days including After Dark. £17.50 per adult. £3 for children under 16yrs and under 5yrs go free

Senior Citizens Friday ticket offer

£5 instead of £7.50 per person (Friday 25 April only)

Family Tickets

£15 based on two adults and two children under 16yrs

Festival Party After Dark

Access to one of Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings only, no access to the full Festival)

£5 per person

*The Northernhay Gardens area of the site is closed from 6pm (last access 5.30pm) The Festival After Dark pass does not include entrance to the producers or features in Northernhay Gardens.

VIP Day Tickets

(includes access to priority seating in the cookery theatre, unlimited access to the VIP lounge, complimentary drink in the VIP lounge). £15 per person

VIP Weekend Tickets

Includes access to priority seating in the cookery theatre, unlimited access to the VIP lounge, complimentary drink in the VIP lounge, Festival Party After Dark.

£30 per person

*Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult

This article was first published in the March issue of Devon Life. To get the magazine delivered every month to your home, subscribe at www.subscriptionsave.co.uk/dev or call 08448484217