PLANS are being finalised for the third annual Highcliffe Revival Food Festival due to take place on May 20 and 21.

Organisers have promised a bigger and better event with more artisan food and drink stalls, children's entertainment and music from local bands.

The 2016 festival was a finalist in the Dorset Food and Farming Awards Best Food Event despite bad weather.

Now the team behind the event are hoping for sunshine to make it even more popular for 2017.

TV chef Lesley Water will be joined by local chefs in a cookery hub, to be situated in the Methodist Hall.

There will be a Kidz Kitchen and children's baking competition as well as workshops featuring yoga, cocktail masterclasses, a chocolate workshop and Japanese tea ceremony.

Chairman and event co-ordinator Mary Reader said: "Our small team of volunteers have worked extremely hard to bring an even larger event to the village.

"As a long-time resident of Highcliffe I have seen many changes in the village and, like many retail centres, it has seen a decline and a change in trading patterns."

She said the area now has a lot of new business people and development in the area and added: "Our butcher, baker, deli and new cafes are leading the changes, together with our new lifestyle shop and music studio."

Stalls booked to attend are diverse and include the New Forest Scotch Egg Company, The Giggly Pig, Granny Olive's Kitchen and Bratwurst UK.

There will be live cookery demonstrations on both days from chefs including Lesley Water, Luke Matthews from the Chewton Glen, Manuel Saloman from the Cliffhanger and Kevin Brown from the Lord Bute.

Special events include a picnic at Highcliffe Castle and the chance for little ones to make food creations from Duplo and Playdough.

Entertainers will perform in the High Street and at the Cliffhanger and they include Pure Gold Zumba, the Funky Little Choir, Amie Knight, Cassie Lawrence and the Highcliffe Charity Players.

The event runs from 10am until 5pm on Saturday May 20 and from 10am-4pm on the following day.