AFTER attracting 20,000 attendees to Ilkley over the past two years, organisers of the Food and Drink Festival promise an ‘expanded festival experience’ this year.

“Last year we saw the successful introduction of wacky entertainment that went down a treat,” said Michael Johnston, Festival Director.

As well as entertaining revellers, the festival prides itself on showcasing the best food and drink of the region.

“We already have incredible food and drink producers, street food, bars and chefs in the cookery theatre,” said Michael. “This year we’re upping our game and focusing on increasing the interactive experiences at the festival. We’ll be hosting cheese, wine, whiskey and chocolate tasting sessions with experts, as well as hands on experiences such as cocktail making sessions.”

In the street food arena there will be everything from taco’s to Bao Buns and pulled pork. The festival also hosts over 80 market traders with crafts, produce and take home delights such as locally produced cakes, cheese and aromatic sauces.

Attendees can expect to quench their thirst with everything from freshly stirred Mojito’s to New Zealand wine and Caribbean cocktails. For beer lovers, there will be a full Ale House in place serving up IPA’s, lagers and cask favourites.

“Ilkley is a stunning place and we’re so lucky to host this event in such a beautiful location next to the river, with the Cow and Calf rocks looking down on us. Every year we have attendees travelling from all over the country to visit us,” said Nikki Orrell, of the festival team.

The festival aims to become a hub of connection between friends and families of all ages and cultures.

“The food is very important to us, but so it’s the feel of the event. The mix of cultures and ages brings a unique, warm, buzzing atmosphere,” said Michael.

The festival hosts a live music stage, a cookery theatre, a live entertainers stage, kids activities, roaming comedy, cocktail making and interactive tasting sessions.

The festival will once again run additional activities throughout the festival to raise funds and awareness for Bradford-based charity Bradford Mind, having raised over £68,000 over the past years for mental health charities.

Thousands are expected to descend on East Holmes Field for Ilkley Park Food & Drink Festival on June 10th-11th.

Tickets are available at www.ilkleyfoodfestival.com