‘REDUCING food waste’ – that’s this year’s theme of a popular food and drink festival which is set to return to Bridport next month.

The Bridport Food & Beer Festival will make its way back to Asker Meadows on June 17 and 18 after a two-year break due to Covid.

This year the festival has committed to an overall theme of ‘Reducing Food Waste’ with the event showcasing the tent, #lovefoodhatewaste

Here visitors can see a selection of demonstrations and talks from special guests, such as eco nutritionist Daphne Lambert, who will be covering topics such as how food from the bin is good for our pockets and the planet and how most of the food wasted is in our homes.

The festival is set to kick off at 6pm on Friday, June 17 with the opening of the Bridport Round Table’s Beer Festival. The free event will have over 80 beers and 40 ciders on offer and will feature alongside a Pimms Bar, a selection of street food and live music.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The Bridport Food & Drink Festival has become a must-attend event for all food and drink lovers living and visiting the area. As well as great food and drink to suit all tastes, there is lots of foodie fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.”

The Saturday (June 18) will see the field transformed into a family friendly celebration of the best local food and drink available in the area – with most producers and suppliers from within a 25-mile radius of Bridport.

Entertainment is set to be available for the whole family to enjoy, including a children’s and teens marquee, cookery demonstrations by local chefs such as Mark Hix, Gill Meller, Pam Corbin, Sally Allan (Sally Fishcamp), Jemima Giblin (Director at Leakers Bakery) and Chris Chatfield (Head Chef at the Station Kitchen, West Bay), cocktail making with Dark Bear, a festival tearoom and live music from local musicians.

Adult tickets are £5 on the gate or £3.50 in advance from the TIC or online at www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets/. Entry is free for anyone aged 17 and under.