The countdown to one of Farnham’s biggest events has begun with the launch of this year’s Feast of Food.

Organised by Farnham Town Council, the popular event is now in its sixth year. New for 2014 is the addition of an Italian market, which will be held in Castle Street on Friday 12 September. The Food Fortnight will follow when 14 pubs and restaurants will offer diners a special one-off menu on selected days during the fortnight. On Sunday 28 September, the Farmers’ Market in Central car park will sell delicious local produce for those who prefer to cook and eat at home.

The Food Festival will take place on Saturday 27 September and will see Castle Street closed to traffic and transformed into a food lovers’ paradise with live cookery demonstrations, freshly cooked food, plus food to buy and take away for later.

The principle sponsor of the event is Farnham-based business BBS Ltd, who supply a variety of catering equipment and spares and parts for Magimix products.

The launch of Feast of Food was hosted by The Wheatsheaf Pub and Grill who are this year’s Gold sponsor. Guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Farnham and included Silver sponsors Belvoir Lettings and Beetlejuice and Bronze sponsors Home James and Andrew Lodge estate agents.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Jill Hargreaves, Lead Member for Tourism and Events said: “The Food Festival brings thousands of people to Farnham, which gives the local economy a real boost. I am delighted that so many Farnham businesses have sponsored this year’s event and I am truly grateful to them; without their support Farnham would not be able to enjoy such a wonderful event.

“Over the years we have seen Feast of Food go from strength-to-strength. Since the first Festival was held in 2008, the number of stallholders taking part has nearly trebled. I believe that this year’s new Italian market will be very popular with shoppers.”

Both Bob Frost from BBS Ltd and Julian Clark from The Wheatsheaf described how much they are looking forward to the Food Festival. Bob Frost has pledged to attempt to attend all food establishments taking part in Food Fortnight.

Julian Clark added that he ‘could not think of a better place for The Wheatsheaf to be than Farnham’, which he described as a ‘foodie town’.

A free guide to Feast of Food will be included inside copies of the Farnham Herald from 11 September. The latest information can also be found on our Feast of Food pages.