Food lovers across Gloucestershire will be flocking to Cheltenham for the 2018 Food and Drink Festival which gets underway on Friday 15th June.

The annual festival, held in the stunning surroundings of Montpellier Gardens, offers visitors the chance to purchase a range of culinary delights, as well as having the opportunity to attend workshops by some of the leading figures from the food and drink world.

John Rhodes, part of the festival organising committee, is confident the 2018 festival will offer food and drink lovers everything they need for a great day out. He said: “The three-day Food & Drink Festival is a must for any lovers of food and drink. This year’s Wine Masterclass with Oz Clarke is certainly something not to be missed.

“There is so much going on with demos from top quality chefs, wine and whisky talks, stands selling artisan food and drink, plants, kitchen equipment and a plethora of stands selling the most appetising, delicious food to eat whilst you enjoy live music and entertainment.

“There will be a number of food and drink talks on a wide range of subjects during the course of the Festival. For whisky lovers do not miss Phil Huckle’s two Masterclasses. The first is about the famous Single Malt distillery The Glenlivet. Tasting six of the distillery’s range, you will be guided through the tasting whilst learning secrets of what makes this whisky so special.

“His second master class is about the blended Scotch whisky Chivas Regal. As well as learning about this world famous blended whisky, you will have the chance to blend your own whisky from 5 special whiskies and be allowed to take a 200ml bottle of your blend home. As always it promises to be a great three days of food and drink.”

Another wine expert offering a wide range of wine tastings is Amelia Singer, presenter on Channel 5’s ‘The Wine Show’. During her talk she will be guiding visitors through a tutored tasting of the exciting changes in wine.

Local chefs from leading hotels and restaurants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Jamie Williams Design Chefs Kitchen Theatre. Regional produce will be the order of the day as the chefs create mesmerising dishes and offer audiences a chance to pick up new cooking tips.