NEWCASTLE Emlyn is gearing up to celebrate all things sweet and savoury at its ninth annual Food Festival.

This year’s event on Saturday, June 8 will once again be staged at the King George V playing field will be filled to the brim with all things fun and foodie.

The gates will open at 10am and TV and radio presenter Dot Davies will carry out the official opening ceremony at 11am.

Last year’s event proved a huge hit with more than 4,000 people pouring through the gates and this year’s festival once again promises something for everyone.

Two local chefs have been lined up to carry out a couple of demonstrations each, with Shane James from The Harbourmaster at Aberaeron taking to the stage to show off his skills from 11.15am-12.15pm and 1.45pm-2.45pm.

Huw Morgan, from Coleg Ceredigion, will be sharing his mouth-watering recipes from 12.30pm-1.30pm and 3pm-4pm.

And there will also be the opportunity for youngsters to try their hand enter the cookery competition.

Year 2 pupils and under have to make two decorated gingerbread men; year six pupils and under have to bake four bread rolls; year 7-10 pupils a pineapple upside down cake and year 11 and above pupils millionaires shortbread.

Entries cost 50p and can be taken along on the day between 10am-11am, with the winners announced in the afternoon.

On the performance stage, local schools including Y Ddwylan, Cenarth and Penboyr will be taking part, along with Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn and Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion choirs and Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club choir, talented soloists as well as a “Jambori” for young people.

There will also be children’s activities, as well as a whole host of local food and drink producers looking to tempt you with their tasty treats.

Admission to the festival is free and there will also be free car parking in the town, with many of the shops also taking part in a decorated window competition. But one reminder – unfortunately, no dogs allowed into the festival.