Twelve regional sausage producers will be battling it out for a ‘best banger’ title at a black tie event next month.

Glemham Hall near Saxmundham will be hosting a three-course dinner for businesses and food lovers from across the region on October 12 to mark the Framlingham SausageFest awards event.

It will follow a day of fun and sausage tasting in the historic town of Framlingham.

During the evening, the 12 regional sausage producers taking part will learn which one has won the most votes for the best banger during the day, which is aimed at bringing visitors to the region and highlighting the town as a tourist destination.

Jenny Stockman, Chair of Framlingham Business Association and organiser of the Framlingham SausageFest Trail and the Awards Dinner said: “Framlingham SausageFest aims to be a day of fun but behind it is a serious message which we are celebrating at this special dinner. This region has so much to offer, including fabulous food and excellent historic sites, and it’s the economy of East Anglia that benefits. Many businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk are either all about food or are linked to the food industry, an industry that is becoming ever more successful in the region.

“Economists tell us that the food industry is more important in Norfolk and Suffolk than in the UK economy as a whole, worth £4billion to the region and employing 16% of the regional workforce.

“The pork sector is particularly important, with 26% of all the pigs in England being reared here. Apart from benefiting food related businesses, it also extends to tourism, road haulage and, of course, to our high streets. The Sausage Trail and Dinner are organised by the community for the community and they are well worth it. Many Framlingham shops reported their busiest day ever during last year’s event and in the long term consumers are encouraged to look for locally produced food when they shop.”

The black tie awards dinner evening includes music from 11-piece band Marrakesh. The event is part of the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival and will raise money for The Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

To book tickets or tables at the SausageFest Awards Night at Glemham Hall visit the Framlingham SausageFest website or call Jenny Stockman on 01728 726500.