FOOD fans are in for a treat when a new festival comes to Burnham this month.

The two-day Crouch Valley Festival of Food and Drink is promising a feast of fun at Riverside Park on July 20-21.

The festival is celebrating the very best food and drink from the local area and organisers hope it will become a landmark on the Essex events calendar.

It is being launched to help promote the Crouch Valley's vineyards and award-winning breweries.

Both New Hall Vineyard and Crouch Ridge Vineyard will be showcasing their wines at the festival.

New Hall Vineyard boss Chris Trembath said: "New Hall Vineyard is now celebrating 50 years of English wine-making in the Maldon district.

"Our special micro-climate here in the Crouch Valley, together with our grape-growing and wine-making techniques, enable us to rival the best wine-making regions in the world.

"The Crouch Valley vineyards are really proud to be working with the council and bringing our wines to this fantastic event, celebrating food and drink from the local area.”

The award-winning Wibblers Brewery and the Maldon Brewing Company will also be at the festival catering for all beer buffs.

Wibblers founder and head brewer Phil Wilcox said “We have been brewing award-winning beers, lager and ciders in Essex since 1991.

"Our multi award winning brew team and cider-makers take great pride creating excellent ales, IPAs, lager and ciders.

"We are really pleased to be part of the Crouch Valley Festival and we are looking forward to a great weekend.”

Food producers at the festival include Wilkin and Son Jams and Gins, Dan Hull, family farmers and butchers Wicks Manor, Maldon-based flour producer Carr’s collaborating with Flour and Spoon Artisan Bakery, and the Secret Butchers.

There is also veggie, vegan and gluten-free food from Sarah Green Organics, Velicious, Compassionate Pizza and the Hungry Hiboux.

Others include Mayland Smokery, Burnham’s Ruam Thai restaurant, Shaken Udder, the Fudge People and quality ice cream from the Saffron Ice Cream Co, Rossi Ice Cream and the Vintage Group.

Dan Hull, owner of Dan Hull Prepared Foods, said “We are really proud to be based in Essex. For me, food is a simple recipe, made with best quality local ingredients - no fuss, no nonsense, just enjoyable food, made really well.

"As a ‘local boy’ I’m so pleased this new event is coming to Burnham, it is a beautiful riverside town and well worth celebrating.”

Live music includes Saturday headliner Dirty Wafer and Abbey Rouges on the Sunday.

There will also be giant inflatables and family rides.

Thousands are expected at the free festival.

Festival spokesman Charlie Fillingham said: "From award winning breweries and vineyards to artisan food producers, passionate farmers and international brands, from independent restaurants and tea rooms to celebrated vineyards and micro-breweries, there is plenty to satisfy any appetite on our Saltmarsh Coast.

The Crouch Valley Festival of Food and Drink will celebrate our local gastro experience, with food, drink, music and fun for all the family.”