A feast for the foodies (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

A feast for the foodies

FOOD lovers have three weeks of days out with a gourmet theme to enjoy when three areas of Somerset showcase the best local fayre the county has to offer.

The food festivals kick off in South Somerset from October 1 to 9 with tutored cider tasting, delicious menus in pubs and restaurants, self-guided cycle rides through the heart of the cider industry or walks to learn about farm produce.

There will be cream teas, farmers' markets, tours of gardens, talks and tasting of cheeses, visits to a smokery for smoked eels and other delicacies, the chance to meet food writers Tamsin Day-Lewis and Mary Berry, the opportunity to create and taste your own sausages and a walk to forage for wild mushrooms.

Fringe events will include Castle Cary Children's Carnival on October 8, Chard Carnival on the same day and the Somerset ladies' Driving Challenge at Merryfield Airfield near Ilminster.

The district centres on the market towns of Wincanton, Yeovil, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Chard, Somerton and Street. For a guide listing all the events and where to stay visit www.southsomersetfoodfestival.com or call 01935 845946.

Exmoor Food festival follows on, from October 8 to October 16, with food-linked events in the national park.

Dunster Castle will host the Harvest Farmers' Market, followed by a six course gourmet meal at St Andrew's weir at Porlock Weir.

Other festival highlights include at open day at Hindon Organic Farm, pasty making, cookery demonstration, cider and apple pressing and a taste of the Exmoor whortleberry at the Whortleberry Tea Room at Porlock.

A special food festival menu is being served at venues across the park. For full details and a programme visit www.exmoor-foodfestival.co.uk or call 01643 863150. For accommodation advice visit www.visit-exmoor.info or 01271 336063.

Finally, the Mendip Food Festival runs from October 21 to 30 in the Frome, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet area.

This is real cider and Cheddar country and promises a great feast of food in the area of Somerset closest to Swindon.

There will be a medieval supper, classical concerts, a cider farm party with cocktails and live music, chocolate tasting, cheese plates and lectures, a brewery and a cider mill tour, country dancing, bingo with produce prizes and lots more. For more information visit www.mendipfoodfestival.co.uk or call 01458 832954.