MARLBOROUGH Common has been transformed into a one-stop destination for foodies as the Marlborough Food and Drink Festival prepares to move into the town for the weekend.

All the marquees were in place by the end of the day on Tuesday and exhibitors will begin to set up their stalls on Friday.

This year’s festival welcomes Great British Bake Off contestant Cathryn Dresser and TV presenter Stefan Gates who will both be giving demonstrations over the weekend

John Rhodes, director of Garden Events Company which organises the event, said: “Preparations are going very well and I’ve just looked at the forecast for the weekend and it’s supposed to be sunshine all weekend so it should be good.

“Last year it was like Glastonbury comes to Marlborough but fingers crossed the weather should hold up this time.

“I’ve heard from people living in the town that everybody has been talking about it so we should be in for a good weekend.

“The feedback from last year’s event was really positive which is the main reason we’ve decided to come back this year.

“Hopefully the people who had such a good time last year will come again and they’ll have told their friends and family.

“I’ve been told the ticket sales have gone well and we also get a lot of people turning up on the day.”

A number of Wiltshire firms will be selling their produce, including Bush Farm Bison from Bradford on Avon, Circle Cider from Swindon, Liquorice Heaven from Chippenham and Gastro Nicks of Collingbourne Dulcis. Fred Swift, the Wiltshire Bee Keeper, will give a talk about beekeeping.

Local chefs include Duncan Jones from The Bell at Ramsbury and Michelin starred executive head chef Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park.

The International Wine Theatre sponsored by Yealands Estate from Marlborough in New Zealand, will return after proving a hit last year.

The festival runs 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Daily tickets are £7, but entry for under-16s is free if they are accompanied by an adult.