MORE than 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual Clitheroe Food Festival this year.

Clitheroe Food Festival is an annual showcase of the work of local food and drink producers.

The festival, run in partnership with Ribble Valley Borough Council, has increased in popularity by several thousand visitors in the last few years and has also been listed in the top 10 UK food festivals by Eventbrite.

Derek Jones, from Heritage Kitchen Preserves, Rossendale, said: “Clitheroe Food Festival’s team continue to maintain their aim of showcasing the finest producers that Lancashire has to offer.

"The festival is the highlight of our year.”

Stallholders will include The Real Thai Pie Company, who provide an exotic twist on a Northern classic, Fat Jax Chutney, Retro Shots and the ever-popular Batch Gin.

There will also be wine tasting, chocolate making and demonstrations from Paul’s Kitchen.

Appearing for the first time this year is the North West Mad Science Show, giving action-packed interactive science demonstrations to entertain all ages.

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Becca Chesworth, a senior manager of the North West Mad Science Show, said: "We are excited to be visiting the festival and will be there from 10am to 12pm.

"We tailor our events so children can learn about and get involved in science.

"Children will be able to make their own slime at our slime station.

"We will also have a kitchen chemistry station where kids can do an five minute experiment."

Ribble Valley Council has asked employers and residents on New Market Street to park elsewhere during the annual 2017 Clitheroe Food Festival.

Castle Street, New Market Street, Market Place, King Lane, King Street and Railway View car park in Clitheroe will be closed to all traffic from Saturday August 12 from 6am to 8pm.

Access to Wellgate and York Street will be via Church Street as 'Access Only' to limit traffic to a minimum.

Traffic from Whalley Road and Moor Lane direction following the current one way system will be able to proceed up Moor Lane on to Castlegate.

The food festival starts at 9am in Clitheroe on Saturday.

Visit the official website for more information at www.clitheroefoodfestival.com