DETAILS of the first ever Colchester Food and Drink Festival have been announced with an array of culinary attractions lined up for the event.Director of the festival, Don Quinn, said the celebration of local food and produce would provide a welcome boost to small traders in the borough as well as surrounding areas.

DETAILS of the first ever Colchester Food and Drink Festival have been announced with an array of culinary attractions lined up for the event.

Director of the festival, Don Quinn, said the celebration of local food and produce would provide a welcome boost to small traders in the borough as well as surrounding areas.

The festival, to be held in Castle Park on June 5, will see more than 30 stallholders giving members of the public samples of their wares as well as a number of cookery demonstrations by top chefs.

Among the attractions at the event will be two special Army field kitchens – one, to commemorate D-Day, recreating the services' catering of 1945 and another to demonstrate modern-day Army food facilities.

Veterans of the historic landings will be given free admission and the chance to sample hot meals from either of the kitchens to see how soldiers' “scoff” has changed in 50 years.

Visitors will also be able to see how the world's favourite sweet is made as a chocolatier shows how the product is manufactured from bean to bar.

Meanwhile the boy scouts of Colchester 19th Troop will make a traditional camp fire where they will cook “dampers” – a simple, traditional recipe of flour, sugar and water.

Three British breweries – Adnams, Mauldens and Ridleys – will be joined by lager giants Cobra, known for the smooth Indian beer which accompanies many curries, in providing a number of different ales to sample.

The famous oyster growers from West Mersea are to be represented at the festival, alongside a “sausage extravaganza”, locally made ice cream, St Botolph's Ham and lamb from Layer Marney.

Among the restaurants whose chefs will be providing demonstrations are the Peldon Rose and the Lemon Tree.

Mr Quinn said yesterday: “The aim of the Festival is to showcase local and regional food and drink.

“Not only do we want to show our superb local products but we want to help educate people on their uses and tastes.

“The Festival already has arranged displays of Roman, Tudor and Victorian cookery.

“All the local schools are being invited to participate in creating recipes and menus around local produce.”

Entrance to the festival will cost £2, with a concessionary charge of £1.