A new food festival dubbed ‘Gastro-Glastonbury’ is coming to Essex next weekend.

The three-day event will feature a wide range of food and drink from around the world and will be attended by celebrity chefs such as Essex's own Masterchef winner Alex Webb and Bake-off champion Candice Brown.

More than 150 exhibits will be on offer during Foodies Festival, which is taking place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford between Friday (October 1) and Sunday (October 3).

It will include:

- Chefs Theatre

- Cake & Bake Theatre

- Drinks Theatre with wine, champagne, beer and cocktail making masterclasses,

- Shopping Village with award-winning artisan producers

- Street Food Avenue offering a large selection of tempting dishes from Japanese Bao Buns to traditional Hawaiian BBQ’s

Children’s entertainment will also be on offer by way of a kids cooking school, a funfair, sand art, craft tents and face painting.

There’s also a chili eating competition for those hardcore foodies who will come up against a world record holder from the UK.

Alternative entertainment by way of live music is lined up, with tribute acts for Lady Gaga and Coldplay two of 50 bands set to perform.

Festival director Sue Hitchen said: “I am delighted to bring Foodies Festival to Hylands Estate, which has a popular food market and is such a beautiful venue.

“We will be celebrating local produce and giving top Essex chefs an opportunity to cook live in the Chefs Theatre.

“There is such a great foodie scene in Essex and I know that Foodies will be made very welcome.

“As we're outdoors and in local parks we are able to plan Covid safe festivals, and our experienced Health and Safety team are working closely with local councils across the country to make sure we take all appropriate measures and follow government guidelines to keep everyone safe.

“There has never been a better time to support local restaurants and food producers and we are all ready to enjoy a fun day out with friends.”

Adult tickets cost £19 per day or £29 for all three days. 

Children under 12 can enter for free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the event, visit foodiesfestival.com/chelmsford/.