THE countdown to the next Burnham-on-Sea Food & Drink Festival has officially begun.

With a large selection of traders, events and entertainment planned for Saturday May 28 in the town centre, the celebrations are set to be even bigger this year.

Two new elements have been added to the line up, including a cookery school which will host free drop-in classes throughout the day, thanks to sponsorship from Bakkavor Desserts.

The second addition is the creation of two after hours meals, with Quiet Waters Farm, as well as the creation of a brand new festival logo.

Festival organiser, Sarah Milner Simonds, said: "People have told us that they want more of the festival and so we are really pleased to be working with John Gower of Quiet Waters Farm to create these two special meals.

"John has pulled together an incredible team of BBQ cooks who will be demonstrating their skills on wood and coals throughout the day at the KDS Fresh Ideas Stage. "This low and slow style BBQ will then form the heart of the Food Festival Feast at 5pm. "

The highlights of the festival will be celebrated at the 8pm meal, with a theme of rustic fine dining.

This will be four courses prepared from ingredients served at the event.

John Gower said: "I’m very excited to be bringing our travelling circus of fire cooking talent to the Burnham-on-Sea Food & Drink Festival for the first time.

"We have a wealth of wonderful food from a great bunch of characters.

"The demonstrations will encourage questions and feedback as well as hopefully giving some helpful tips and I am especially pleased to then be able to cook for everybody at the evening meals, with a menu that I hope will offer something new and exciting to those coming to eat with us."

The festival has recently been honoured after winning awards such as the Rural Oscars.

Festival organiser, Beverley Milner Simonds, said: "The festival strives to create an atmosphere and an occasion where people come together, learn about food and drink, and experience new flavours.

"We work hard to support our traders through social media support, creating a good foot fall, providing connections and contacts and supporting them as they grow.

"This award is our encouragement that we are doing the right things for Somerset businesses and we hope to continue to develop this for many years to come."

Tickets are available from http://www.burnhamonseafoodfestival.org/