UPWARDS of 40,000 visitors are expected to visit Nantwich this weekend for the town’s annual food festival.

Organisers have promised the ‘biggest and best’ event yet, featuring 200 exhibitors, food tastings, street entertainment and celebrity chef demonstrations, with no entry fee.

On Friday, September 2, CBeebies host, Katy Ashworth, with run three shows in the AGA food theatre, with the ‘nation’s favourite French chef’ Jean-Christophe Novelli taking centre stage on Sunday, September 4.

This year also sees the arrival of Dabber Bear, the festival mascot, who has created a special Nantwich trail where people can take part in a competition.

Festival organiser Jean Kay said: “Mr Dabber Bear has put the fun into the new Town Trail that takes visitors to parts of the town centre they may not know.

“Adults and children will be able to follow Mr Dabber's clues to find where he has visited. There are fantastic prizes on offer, all donated by the generous businesses along the trail.”

Across the weekend local chefs and restaurants will also be teaming up with Mornflake Oats and Snugburys Ice Cream to create a range of treats.

Social media users can follow @DabberBear on Twitter to get clues about his hiding places around the town centre.

This year’s festival will take place from Friday 2 to Sunday September 4.

For further information about this year’s Nantwich Food Festival, visit nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk