THE organisers of a huge new food festival in Clacton this summer want local traders to get involved.

Clacton’s first Food and Drink Festival will take place over the weekend following this year’s Clacton Airshow on August 29 and 30.

Bespoke Caterers has joined forces with Food and Drink Festivals UK and Tendring Council to organise the free event.

Masses of food vendors and entertainers have already been signed up to join the line-up on West Greensward.

Now organisers want to make sure local businesses and vendors play a big part in the two-day event.

Glyn Wiltshire, of Bespoke Caterers, said: “It is all under the umbrella of the airshow. That event brings in so many people and we want to keep them here for another two days to enjoy some incredible food and drink.

“We can’t stress enough how much we want local people to come and get involved.

“This is a golden opportunity for businesses, producers and vendors to showcase what they can do to a huge audience. We want butchers, nurseries, chefs doing cooking demos, maybe bars doing demonstrations on how to mix cocktails."

A gourmet burger van and stalls boasting a hog roast, ice cream and strawberries and cream have already been lined up. There will also be a stall selling exotic burgers, including alligator and emu meat.

Food and Drink Festivals UK is responsible for running the food festival in Colchester, which has grown into a flagship event for the town.

Director Don Quinn said: “Collectively, we think it is about time Clacton had a nice event like this, something that is free for people to enjoy which can also attract people to the town."

If you are interested in taking part, contact the organisers by visiting clactonfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Anyone who follows the Twitter account @Clactonfoodfest will be entered into a prize draw for a huge hamper of food goodies.