An ‘omelette challenge’ and a street party celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday will be at the heart of a local food and drink festival this summer.

East Anglian Daily Times: Last year's Taste of Sudbury Food and Drink FestivalLast year's Taste of Sudbury Food and Drink Festival

According to the event’s co-organiser Jane Hatton, the Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival – now in its fourth year – is already well on its way to rivalling some of the region’s long standing ‘foodie’ events.

Last year, the Taste of Sudbury attracted around 4,500 visitors. This year it will once again showcase the best food and drink from producers and restaurants across Suffolk and north Essex.

Taking place on June 12 in St Peter’s Church and on Market Hill, the festival will offer something for foodies of all tastes from nutritional and healthy to purely indulgent.

Mrs Hatton said the response so far had been phenomenal.

“I have been impressed by the number of people who have already booked for this year’s event, which proves how the festival’s reputation has grown,” she said.

“Last year we had 70 pitches and we have almost book that many already.

“We have received some really nice comments from people who have been before and who say it’s such a nice event with a great atmosphere and lots of community support.

“Although the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival has a long history, Sudbury is beginning to gain a reputation for the quality of the produce we offer.”

BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Lesley Dolphin will open the festival and Mark David from the Cooking Experience will compère cookery demonstrations throughout the day by top local chefs including Alan Paton of Stoke By Nayland Hotel and Regis Crepy of Lavenham’s Great House.

Other attractions on stage will include a Guinness World Record attempt and an ‘Omelette Challenge’.

“Before they give their demonstrations, every chef will have to make an omelette and their skills will be pitted against each other as the days goes on to see who make theirs the fastest,” Mrs Hatton continued. “It will have to be a proper omelette mind you – scrambled eggs will not suffice.”

In celebration of the Queen’s Birthday, visitors will be able to book a five course lunch in a big marquee outside the town hall.

Mrs Hatton added: “The tables will be set out like a street party – it should be a great atmosphere.”

The event will offer free entry, parking, tasters and a park & ride from Delphi Car Park in Newton Road, with buses leaving every 15 minutes.

Taste of Sudbury, which is organised by the voluntary and non-profit making Sudbury Town Team, will run from 10am to 4pm on June 12. For up to date information visit www.tasteofsudbury.co.uk