EAT your way in to the festive spirit – a Christmas Fair is back with a bang.

Dorset Food & Drink’s second Christmas Fair takes place this Saturday at Athelhampton House.

Following a fantastic turn out at last year’s event, this year the festival is ‘even bigger’ with more than 60 local food producers supporting the event.

From homemade pastries to unusual meats and vegetarian and vegan delicacies, organisers promise there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There will also be entertainment. In the morning Dorset Cherries are among the group of producers bringing Christmas Cheer, sharing ideas on how to make one-of-a-kind seasonal beverages.

At 2pm there will be a special screening of classic foodie film Chocolat in the private cinema.

Katharine Wright, Dorset Food and Drink co-ordinator, said: “The range of food and drink produced in Dorset is amazing so we wanted to run an event that really celebrates Dorset produce. It’s a great time to get edible Christmas presents as you won’t be able to find the range we’ll have at the Christmas Fair in many shops, but it will also a great day out too.”

The Christmas Fair is open from 10am - 4pm. Admission is £2.50 per adult and everyone will receive a free goody bag. To make the most of the experience and to ensure a relaxing day out, a free park and ride is available hourly at the Dorchester County Hall beginning from 10.30am.

Local producers will be giving 20-minute demonstrations – don’t miss any that tingle your tastebuds:

• 10.30am – 11am: From Dorset with Love and Conker Gin

• 11am – 11.30am: Liberty Orchards

• 11.30am – noon: Comin’s Tea1

• Noon – 12.30pm: West Milton Cider Co.

• 12.30pm – 1pm: Longham Estate

• 1pm – 1.30pm: Dorset Cherries

• Dorset Food & Drink is a member-based organisation with a special trademarked brand overseen by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team. It represents Dorset’s food and drink business community together under one banner. As well as promoting what Dorset has to offer, it provides networking opportunities for its members and specialist advice.