A local food and drink festival will accompany Moretonhampstead Carnival week for the first time this weekend.

The festival will begin the carnival celebrations tomorrow (August 18), from 10am to 4pm.

Anita Pike, one of the organisers, said: ‘This year we’re hoping to build on the success of previous Moreton Food Festivals and kick-start carnival week with Moretonhampstead Carnival’s first local food and drink festival.

‘From new ventures such as Papillion Dartmoor Gin and Passion for Pie to old favourites such as Midfield Granola and Dartmoor Chilli Farm, we have more than 30 food and drink stalls for the public to peruse.’

Throughout the day there’ll also be lots of children’s entertainment, including pony rides from The Miniature Pony Centre; Funlands Funfair; and face painting.

When the food festival winds down there’ll be live music in the Sentry until late, with more food and drink on offer.

Local businesses are supporting the festival by donating draw prizes and devising food festival specials. The White Hart Hotel is making a food festival cocktail using local Dartmoor Gin.

All proceeds from the event will go to Moretonhampstead Carnival, which supports local charities including Moretonhampstead Primary School.

Anita added: ‘We have a variety of exhibitors eager to showcase their goods. Come along and join us as we are extremely proud of our town and carnival and we’re looking forward to showing you what we have to offer.’

Entry to the festival is free of charge. It will be held on Cross Street leading into the Sentry.

Moretonhampstead Carnival Procession Day is on August 23.