A POPULAR summer event in the heart of Colchester is heading back to the city this weekend.

Held in Lower Castle Park, Colchester's Food and Drink Festival is hugely popular.

The event boasts a record number of 140 stalls and is expecting thousands of visitors.

Festival director Don Quinn said: “The cuisine ranges right across the globe from African, Asian, British, right the way across.

So, we’ve got lots and lots of smashing food.”

There will also be local delicacies, from oysters to cheese, as well as cocktail bars, real ale bars, and prosecco bars featuring prosecco from Italy.

Drinks up - Anna Blanks and daughter Jessica cool off with a drink at a previous food and drink festivalDrinks up - Anna Blanks and daughter Jessica cool off with a drink at a previous food and drink festival in 2021 (Image: Steve Brading)

“We’ve got everything for you to sit and have a nice, pleasant drink,” Mr Quinn said.

Colchester’s Three Wise Monkeys have curated music for the event, as well as the silent disco, which is included in the entrance ticket.

With adults’ tickets at £5, children under 14 going free, and free parking, Mr Quinn said it "must be the cheapest event in Europe.”

He continued: “I love it, the feedback is always great.

"If you do an event and people have a good time, they let you know.

"With this one, it’s been 25 years of people saying, ‘Thank you, that was great’. And that’s what gives me a buzz.

“I’ve known some stallholders for 25 years, so every time I’m seeing old friends.

"Some of the staff I’ve watched grow up from being kids to young adults, like one girl who started when she was 16 and she’s now a supervisor.”

Popular- he Baker family try some spiced honey supplied by 'Rubble' of The Spiced Honey Company in 2022. Popular- the Baker family try some spiced honey supplied by 'Rubble' of The Spiced Honey Company in 2022. (Image: Steve Brading)

Mr Quinn thinks the temperature will be “about right,” if it stays at the predicted 22 degrees.

He has also prepared to protect people from the heat, with plans to put up a stretched tent and one stall offering water—still and sparkling—for £1 a bottle.

There will also be free water for dogs, who are welcome with responsible owners.

Parking in King’s Meadow car park is free, with the event a short five-minute walk away.

The event will be from 10.30am to 5pm on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.