Foodies are preparing for a gastronomic feast as some of the region’s top growers, brewers and chefs converge on Sudbury for the town’s first food and drink festival.

Local businesses have banded together with eight of the region’s most highly rated chefs to stage the first “Taste of Sudbury” event, which will take place this Sunday. It is being organised by the non-profit group, Sudbury Town Team, to celebrate and promote the food produced on the Essex/Suffolk border.

According to co-organiser, Jane Hatton, a full programme of tastings and demonstrations will take place on Market Hill. Among those appearing will be head chefs Regis Crepy from The Mariners in Ipswich and Alan Paton from Stoke By Nayland Golf Club.

Mrs Hatton said: “The idea is to encourage people to shop local and to be aware of what’s available on their doorsteps. We would eventually like to make it a regular date in Sudbury’s calendar to rival Aldeburgh Food Festival and take inspiration from the ‘Taste of London’ restaurant showcase.”

The event will begin at noon and will run until 8pm. The cooking demos will take place on a stage outside St Peter’s Church, with stalls and marquees set up in the surrouding area.

Among those offering tastings are Mauldons Brewery, Handmade by Hadley’s ice-cream producers from Colne Engaine and heritage cattle farmers Brookfarm from Brent Eleigh. Visitors to the event will have a chance to make their own healthy drink by pedal powel using a ‘Smoothie Bike’, while younger foodies can have a go at ‘milking a cow’. Musical entertainment will be provided by Ormiston Sudbury Academy students.

Call 01787 468634 for details.