SEPTEMBER sees not one, but two, acclaimed food festivals celebrating the abundance of great local food and great local producers.

First up this weekend is Ludlow Food Festival, which will feature more than 160 top quality small independent food and drink producers from the Marches inside the walls of Ludlow Castle.

Anyone who loves food will be tempted by the wealth of taste temptation on offer, with everything from chillis and spices to cupcakes and chocolate.

There are plenty of chances to try different techniques for yourself, from breadmaking to sausage linking Local stars will be on stage, among them Tom Holland of Ludlow’s La Becasse. Suree Coates, award-winning curry chef of the year from The King and Thai in Broseley, will demonstrate the use of fresh herbs and Thai spices to create the perfect Thai dish at home.

At noon tomorrow, Michelin-starred Mr Underhills owner and chef Chris Bradley will challenge food writer Andy Richardson to a cook-off.

As well as the food producers, the historic town centre will see plenty of foodrelated events, too, including the famous Ludlow sausage trail, the ale trail and the festival bread trail.

For ticket details and full programme times, visit foodfestival.co.uk

Abergavenny Food Festival

THE following weekend, foodies can head west to the enormously popular Abergavenny Food Festival, where more than 200 producers will be present with a tantalising range of foods and a programme of masterclasses, tutored tastings and food talks.

Among those giving masterclasses is Monica Galetti, well-known to fans of BBC2’s Masterchef: The Professionals, who will be demonstrating recipes from her new book, Monica’s Kitchen.

There’ll also be the chance to learn how to transform your daily meals when Alex Mackay, who’s run cookery schools for Raymond Blanc and Delia Smith, offers simple techniques to transform everyday ingredients.

Tutored tastings include sessions with Jeff Evans who will advise on What to Look for in a Beer, while Richard Ehrlich delivers his prescription for The Perfect Martini and renowned chocolatier Marc Demarquette talks about Making Fine Chocolates.

There are also hands-on young people’s workshops at the Food Academy plus finals of the cookery competition, as well as music, comedy, street theatre and creative food-themed activities throughout the weekend.

For full programme details and to buy tickets, go to abergavennyfoodfestival.com or call the box office on 01873 850805.