A FESTIVAL for foodies is returning this weekend - but this year guests will be able to get their Covid vaccine in between trying international nibbles.

The Colchester Food and Drink Festival is taking place in Lower Castle Park on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

Festival goers will need to have their temperatures checked and check in on the NHS Track and Trace app to attend the event which is being held in line with Covid rules.

Those who have not yet had their vaccinations will have the chance to be jabbed by NHS staff during the festival.

Don Quinn, one of the organisers of the festival, said he is unaware of other festivals offering Covid jabs.

He added: “People can get their jab and enjoy some tasty food.”

The vaccinations will be carried out by NHS workers in a special bus which will be stationed in the park.

Mr Quinn added: “We have climbed lots of mountains to put the festival on. It’s been the hardest in our 25 year history of putting on events.

“We believe people deserve some safe fun.”

At the festival, there will be more than 120 stalls, cooking demonstrations and live music.

The Pikestaff Inn real ale bar will also feature lots of different ciders and cold lager.

Mr Quinn added: “We created this event around the current Covid restrictions so the delay in the total lifting of restrictions does not affect the overall plan.

“This will be a wonderful outdoor event in a glorious park.

“We have created wide boulevards with a one way system. You can ramble around shopping without having to go inside.

“We have a large open area for picnicking from the huge range of hot and cold food on offer.”

There is free parking in Kings Meadow.

Tickets cost £5 and can be bought at the gate or online.

Visit foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk.