The International Food Market, in Christchurch High Street on Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May, promises to be even more mouthwatering than usual with a huge range of food and drink to be tasted and bought.

Produce available ranges from chocolate to cheese and from bagels to beer. International offerings include bratwurst, crepes, Turkish delight, olives, paella and pizza and a French market selling biscuits, cheese and fruit and vegetables. For the first time this year an Italian market will fill the cobbled area of Church Street.

Nearer to home, the Dorset farmers’ market will be selling lamb, venison, cider and bread, amongst other things, while there will also be local sausages, ice cream, jams, vegetables, oysters and biscuits.

As well as all the food and drink, other products such as tableware, chopping boards and cookware will be for sale.

Gary Rhodes and Lesley Waters will be on hand on the balcony of the Mayor’s Parlour with the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg and presenters from The Coast 106 FM to officially open the Festival at 10.00am on Saturday 9 May.

A full programme of cookery demonstrations will be taking place in the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre in the marquee in Saxon Square with Gary Rhodes starting Saturday’s programme at 11.00am, followed by Lesley Waters at 12.00 noon. The Tanner Brothers will be the celebrity chefs on Sunday 10 May doing demonstrations at 12 noon and 2.30pm. Demonstrations from local chefs will complete the programme.

For younger potential cooks, the Kids Kitchen in Druitt Hall will give them an opportunity to try out some food they may not have tasted before under the expert guidance of nutritionist and food writer Ester Davies. Workshops, which are free of charge, start at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm on both Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May.

And of course there are special menus at restaurants, cafes and tea rooms throughout the Borough during the whole of the Festival. See the Events section of this website or call 01202 471780 for a programme.