EXHIBITORS are rushing forward to be part of the 12th Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink, organisers have revealed.
The event takes place at Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens in April.
Michael Caines, the festival co-founder who champions the event voluntarily, said it was proving a big hit with exhibitors.
And there is a healthy rise in the number of newcomers to the festival.
"As ever, competition for pitches was stiff for our 2015 festival, and we are delighted to see new producers coming through," he said.
"The number of applications received from new exhibitors grew by 40 this year.
"It's really exciting and demonstrates the growth in food and drink companies in this region and their interest in coming to the Exeter Food Festival."
Visitors to the festival can expect to find a wide array of items to purchase, to eat and to drink including another collection of Fresh at the Festival exhibitors – championing those who have been in business fewer than three years.
Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink 2015 runs from Friday, April 24, until Sunday, April 26, with Festival After Dark parties from Thursday, April 23, running until late.
Tickets can be booked in advance and are available online.
For more information or to buy tickets for the event, visit the Food and Drink Festival website at www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
