IT is the time of year food and music combine for a major summer event in north Essex.

Channel 4 presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty is once again throwing open his farm on the Essex/Suffolk border for a two day music and food festival later this month.

Jimmy's Festival will see headline acts Paul Young and the Happy Mondays line up alongside a host of locally and national produced food and drinks as well as a number of other bands and musicians.

And the annual event will also once again host a programme of celebrity chef demonstrations in its Woodforde's Kitchen led by Joe Hurd, Jimmy has announced.

Jimmy, a school friend of chef Jamie Oliver, documented his efforts to get the Wherstead farm of the ground more than ten years ago.

He started with just a modest amount of pigs and other animals but last year the farm celebrated being officially recognised as a zoo and is now home to a number of endangered species.

It now has a wildlife park, butterfly house, reptile house and ancient woodland which, during the festival, will host workshops including den-building and woodland craft.

The festival expects to welcome 20,000 people across Saturday July 21 and Sunday 22 when drinks on offer will include hedgerow Cordials and speciality gin as well as produce from the popular farm which has its own farmshop.

Jimmy explains younger visitors will be entertained CBBC favourites Dick & Dom who are heading to the mainstage on the Sunday.

Jimmy says : "We are buzzing for this year’s line-up – it’s the best we’ve ever had.

"It’s so exciting to be bringing this much new talent as well as incredible headliners.

"The whole event has something for everyone with all the added extras, especially the incredible food – where else can you hang out with meerkats one minute, and the Happy Mondays the next?!"

Jimmy’s Festival is taking place on Saturday July 21 and Sunday July 22 at Jimmy’s Farm, Suffolk.

Tickets are available now at www.jimmysfestival.co.uk.