TAVISTOCK Food Festival is to have a new look this year, as the popular event shifts venue — and date.

The festival normally takes place at the end of July. This year, it is scheduled to be held at historic Morwellham Quay, on the weekend of September 12 and 13.

Jeffrey Stackhouse, festival chairman, said: 'Our 2009 festival is being organised recognising the difficult economic conditions that both visitors and exhibitors are experiencing, and we are delighted to have established an excellent relationship with Morwellham Quay.

'There are mutual benefits to both the festival and Morwellham, such as ample car parking within close proximity of the festival marquee and access for festival visitors to the historic buldings and facilities at Morwellham, including the refreshments available at the Ship Inn.

'Importantly, road access to Morwellham is easy and well signposted, from whichever direction you approach Tavistock.'

Mr Stackhouse said the best regional food products, such as cheese, meats, patés, preserves, fish, dairy good and ice cream, beer and wine, would be available at the festival for visitors to taste and buy.

'We hope that visitors will take full advantage of all the attractions on offer at both the food festival and Morwellham Quay — and have a great day out,' said Mr Stackhouse.

Barry Gamble, director of Morwellham Quay, said: 'The management and staff at the quay are delighted to be able to host this local and vibrant event, which is such a distinctive contributor to the West Devon cultural calendar.'

Mr Gamble said Morwellham was also hosting craft, food and musical festivals within the next few months, and he hoped more and more events would be staged at the quay's beautiful setting in the Tamar Valley.

'Morwellham is free to everyone now and we are really keen to remind local people they can come here without paying,' said Mr Gamble, who hoped with the coming of spring, more and more residents and visitors would make for Morwellham to enjoy the woodland walks and historic atmosphere.

The admission charge to this year's food festival will be just £2 per adult, accompanied children under 16 will be admitted free, while unaccompanied children will pay £2.

Any local or regional food producers who would like to exhibit at the event should call the organisers on 07770 223932 or email [email protected]">[email protected]