The Great British banger is to be celebrated in all its glory once again this October as The Great Framlingham Sausage Festival returns to the town.

Formerly known as Framlingham SausageFest, the event seeks to celebrate the sausage whilst also promoting the importance of knowing where you’re food comes from, how it is produced and processed and how farmers rear their animals.

The festival was officially launched at John Grose, Framlingham, on Tuesday night and organisers this year promise that the event, on October 8, will be bigger and better than ever, with more workshops and attractions, and a brand new category in the best sausage competition.

For the first time, local producers can now enter into the ‘best pork free sausage’ category, which is expected to include a range of chicken and vegetarian bangers.

The ‘best classic pork’ and ‘best gluten free’ categories will return for another year. All producers taking part have to be able to demonstrate at least one local link within their sausages to the area in which they are made.

In addition, there will be dog agility classes, street dancing, escapology demonstrations, ceramic painting, pet care advice, Shetland ponies and pizza making sessions, to name a few of the attractions on offer on the day.

For the first time, the event has been granted a road closure from Bridge Street to Double Street meaning that it can encompass the whole of Market Hill, alongside the weekly market.

Event organiser Jenny Stockman, of Framlingham Business Association, said: “I’m really excited that it’s refreshed. As an event, we have matured.

“We are six-years-old and we wanted [the new name] to say we are really serious about our message. Yes, it’s a sausage festival, but it’s a festival that says we are very serious about tourism, business and food.

“We are doing lots of different workshops and things people can get involved in of all ages.”

Every year, the event offers free stands for community groups and causes to help them raise funds and awareness.

Availability for both trade and community stands remains. To lodge your interest in having a stall at the event, email Ms Stockman at sizzle@framsausagefest.co.uk

Tickets to The Great Framlingham Sausage Festival cost £5 each, or four for £16, and are available online at www.framsausagefest.co.uk