THIS year’s Okehampton Festival of Food and Music will take place on Saturday, June 24 and is sure to be a feast of fun.

With the addition of a ‘Festival Finale’ and an award-winning chef, this year’s festival is set to be the biggest yet.

In previous years, the festival has welcomed a wide range of local food and drink producers and street food vendors displaying their products and giving visitors the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere, taste the food and enjoy the music.

The festival fills the air with music and nose-friendly culinary smells in key locations in the town, these include Red Lion Yard, Charter Hall, Fore Street, and St James’ Street.

From 9am until 3pmm visitors can experience authentic Spanish cuisine from the Basque region, local gourmet burgers barbecued to order, locally brewed reputable ales, handmade chocolates, Devon cream teas served by Okehampton’s Victorian Tea Room and much more!

There will be an array of food and drink stalls and exhibitions available from Dan the Fish Man, Tors Vodka, Okehamptopn Community Garden, Chocolates de Caprine, Curworthy Cheese, Dartmoor Chilli Farm, India in a Jar, Mamma Bakes Cakes, Yokel BBQ and hog roast and Okehampton Fair-trade Group.

This year’s festival also welcomes award-winning chef Damian Wawrzyniak, who will be giving cooking demonstartions.

New this year, is the lunch time concert in Charter Hall which will see performances from four piece band All Bar One, young musician Zena, Jo Knight and Tony Ball. The Exbourne Women’s Institue will be on hand to cater the lunchtime event.

A brand new ‘Festival Finale’, which will be an 80’s Karaoke Night, will be taking place in Charter Hall from 6pm. With a mobile pizza van and fully stocked bar — this is an event not to be missed by party-lovers.

The festival also features music from many talented artists from a vast array of different music styles.

Visitors can enjoy performances from jazz and blues band One Point Five, guitar and vocalist Brian Higbee, singers Courtenay and Beth, busker Daniela Ruettinger, acoustic duo Meander, the Ocra Singers, Okehampton Choral Society, ukulele group Okelelies and the Footsteps School of Dance.

‘It should be a great event, with lots of fun for the family,’ said event organiser Christine Marsh.

‘During the event St James Road will be closed from the DIY store down to St James Church. The road will be closed to traffic, however there will be emergency access.’

Event organiser Mish Flexman added: ‘We couldn’t put on this fantastic festival without the help of all of the volunteers as well as the generous sponsors we have received. We would like to thank you all!’

Top chef comes to festival

This year’s festival welcomes award-winning chef Damian Wawrzyniak, who has worked with some of the biggest culinary names in the county.

The renowned chef will wow spectators with his cooking demonstrations in Okehampton’s Charter Hall throughout the day.

Damian cut his culinary teeth in the Noma restaurant in Copenhagen — which was voted best restaurant in the world three years running.

More recently, Damian was in charge of the Champagne and Seafood restaurant at the London 2012 Olympics.

His influences come from far and wide, having trained throughout Europe, including spells in Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark and the UK.

The Polish-born chef has worked with some of the biggest culinary names in the business, including Jamie Oliver. He has even made television appearances on BBC Breakfast and worked alongside Mary Berry.

Damion has extensive knowledge and experience in professional kitchens across the globe, making cooking demonstrations an opportunity not to be missed by food enthusiasts.

Wonderful Zena

Young musician Zena is sure to astound audiences with her mature and confident delivery of heart-felt songs.

Just breaking into her teen years, Zena is a force of nature that should leave the crowds wanting more.

Zena will be performing in the Charter Hall during the Okehampton Festival of Food and Music.

Chocolats de Caprine

CHOCOLATS de Caprine are attending the festival for the second year running and providing a range of delicious hand made chocolates.

The crafted chocolates are made with the cream and butter produced by a herd of dairy goats on a farm in Torrington.

The farm is owned by Rosie and Martin Butler, who’s stall has been a popular favourite of the festival.

As their products are produced from dairy goats, rather than cows, it makes them suitable for people with an intolerance to cows milk.

The chocolates are also gluten and nut free.

Dan the Fish Man

Dan the Fish Man will return to the festival with his colorful display of goods.

There’s not much Dan Garnett doesn’t know about fishing — he is a self-confessed fanatic when it comes to fish and fishing. He’s committed to sourcing and selling the freshest local fish of the finest quality.