OKEHAMPTON town centre will be buzzing with activity on Saturday, July 6 as it sees the first ever Okehampton Festival.

The event will be a celebration of local food, folk, crafts and cream teas, organised by Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade to promote the many varied food producers and crafters in the area.

The idea came from Okehampton resident Ruth Maile, who thought the chamber should do something to promote the Devonshire Cream Tea. It snowballed as traders and organisations wanted to be involved.

There will be the monthly farmers' market around St James' Chapel, and stalls going up St James' Street, where it is hoped there will be a mobile kitchen with cookery demonstrations. The food theme will continue in the Charter Hall from 1pm with more demonstrations and competitions. This will give visitors a chance to make a traditional Devon Split.

There will be musical entertainment with children from local schools and from Wren Music. The FOOTsteps dance group will be in Red Lion Yard in the afternoon.

BBC Radio Devon will broadcast from Okehampton in the afternoon, so visitors may get interviewed as presenters wander the streets.

The event is one being organised by town promotion manager Lisa Wadling. Since taking the post in mid-January,she has helped to organise the St George's Day Challenge, pancake races in the town centre, and offered advice to Okehampton Rotary on its May Fair.

Organisers are looking for local traders and producers who would be interested in having a stall. If you would like further information, visit http://www.okehamptonfestival.co.uk">www.okehamptonfestival.co.uk or call Lisa on 07789 112009.