WORLD cuisine and live music are coming to brighten up summer nights in Newton Abbot.

Following on from the success of the town centre Christmas evening markets, events company Born Hectic is joining forces with Newton Abbot town council and Teignbridge district council to organise three food-fuelled Saturday evenings.

Organisers are hoping to attract visitors and locals to sample a selection of hot and cold food and enjoy entertainment from singer Drew Millin.

Stalls will set up mid afternoon and will be trading from 5pm to 9pm each of the three evenings. Parking will be free from 6pm in all Teignbridge Council operated car parks.

Cllr Doug Hellier Laing, Teignbridge Council executive member for economy, skills and tourism, said: ‘I really support this exciting new event.

‘It is a great opportunity to to showcase lots of fantastic food produce that we have on offer.

‘Events Iike this help raise the profile of Newton Abbot and increase visitor numbers to the town.’

Sally Henley, Newton Abbot town centre manager, said: ‘Our Christmas street fairs have been extremely popular with the street food element becoming a bigger feature each year.

‘In response to public demand, I am delighted Newton Abbot town council, Teignbridge Council and Born Hectic have joined forces to come up with Summer Nights.

‘This is an opportunity for residents and visitors to come to Courtenay Street for a spot of supper and some of our familiar market traders will be joining in too.

‘What nicer way to spend a summer evening than watch your food being prepared in front of you and eat it while listening to Drew Millin.

‘Drew has become a regular Newton Abbot town centre performer and I am delighted to welcome him back this July.’

Summer Nights will take place on July 15, August 12 and September 16.

A spokesman for Born Hectic said: ‘We enjoy working with the town council on the Christmas street fairs every year and we are very pleased to join forces with Teignbridge Council on this new summer venture.

‘We hope that residents will support these local traders with as much enthusiasm as they do at Christmas and that they will enjoy these new events.’