THOUSANDS of foodies are expected to descend on Nantwich for its annual food festival.

More than 200 exhibitors and stallholders have signed up for the event, which takes place in the town centre from September 2-4.

The Nantwich Food Festival is set to smash records yet again, with an estimated 40,000 visitors expected to come and taste the culinary delights.

The annual event is expected to generate more than £2 million for the Nantwich economy over the festival weekend.

Space at this year’s festival has proved incredibly popular, and organisers have announced that companies will be travelling from as far away as Scotland and Ireland to exhibit.

John Coulter, festival director and exhibitor coordinator, said: “One of the reasons that the food festival attracts so many exhibitors is that it provides such a great opportunity to showcase their produce and to promote their businesses.

“There is a very positive impact for small, start-up food producers, and the event provides a great opportunity to enable them to meet customers in a friendly environment. So many return every year.

“Everything is easy to reach around Nantwich, and the dedicated festival volunteers are quick to help anyone needing information.”

Cheshire is well represented once again, with a diverse range of unique food and drink companies lining up alongside charities, not-for-profit groups, schools and colleges.

Among this year’s Cheshire firms joining the fun is Bongo’s Rock and Roll Chilli Pickles from Delamere.

Debs Alias, co-owner Bongo’s Rock and Roll Chilli Pickles, said: “Unlike some food festivals, this one has a real sense of serving the local community by providing not just food stalls but entertainment, information and laughter.

“I love the fact that it’s run entirely by volunteers and yet it’s so professionally done. There’s a happy buzz around the festival and I find it infectious.”

A full list of all this year’s exhibitors can be found on the official festival website nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk for the latest details.