Cheese and ale on the cards this weekend

Now in its fifth year, the popular food and drink event starts tomorrow and continues on Saturday and Sunday.

And it's set to be the biggest event year – with more stands, music, street theatre and events.

The event is taking place each day between 9am and 5pm.

James Hillery, star of the Great British Bake Off will be in attendance for the three day event.

It is organised by Stafford Borough Council, Cocker Hoop Creative and Town Centre Partnership which boasts more than 100 members from retailers, leisure services and other businesses in Stafford.

Jon Arrowsmith, managing director of Cocker Hoop Creative which organises the event, said: “This is such a great event to get involved with and we are so grateful to the council for asking for our support, the event is in such a great setting and we know what we have planned in 2018 will attract crowds from all over Staffordshire and beyond!”We look forward to seeing you at the festival

Tomorrow's timetable includes the opportunity to have afternoon tea – including a scone making demonstration, and the chance to try over 80 different gins at the Stafford Gin Jamboree in the evening.

There will be a new Titanic Brewery Tent to tempt visitors with their range of beers and ales open from 12pm till late.

While stalls will be lining the streets in the town centre with something to tempt you all. With over 80 local food and drink traders showcasing their artisan ranges of cheeses, ales and street food, there is something for everyone this weekend.

But these events are ticket only and must be booked in advance.

On Saturday, top local chefs from the Staffordshire Chefs Forum will be getting the crowd's taste buds going with cookery demonstrations and there will be an alfresco bar.

And the The Great Chefs Challenge wil ltake place – when two local chefs will go head to head in a ready, steady, cook style challenge at 1pm.

Two lucky members of the audience will even be invited to join the chefs on stage.