FOOD lovers are expected to flock to Romsey on Sunday for the town’s annual festival.

Town centre streets will be filled with tasty attractions, including cookery demonstrations in the Cornmarket by chefs from the White Horse Hotel and Naz’s Restaurant.

Hampshire-made jams and chutneys and gin will also be on the festival’s menu.

More than 30 smallholders and farmers will also be out in force with their produce at the Hampshire Farmers’ Market in Alma Road between 10am and 2pm, which is incorporated into this year’s food festival.

Stalls include meat, poultry, eggs, cheeses, cakes, wine and cider, bread, honey, fresh fish, jams and pickles, fruit and veggies.

Hampshire Farmers’ Market business manager Alex Handford said: “Our regular Romsey market attracts over 3,500 visitors , who want to come and savour our award-winning local produce and enjoy our vibrant market shopping experience as part of the Romsey Food Festival.

“We are finding more and more of our visitors come to our markets because they want traceable, affordable, good quality food and to discover produce they would not find anywhere else.” Among the attractions will be the Hampshire-based mobile farm Kidsrome, tractors, face painting and a circus act.

Romsey town centre manager Mark Edgerley hopes that the event will pull in the crowds.

He said: “I welcome the many stall holders and exhibitors coming to the town on Sunday, with our regular farmers’ market in Alma Road and stalls throughout the town, Romsey will become a great place for foodies and families alike.

“Romsey Town Council is grateful to The White Horse and Waitrose, who are the main sponsors of this year’s event, and to the many other businesses who contribute to the success of this annual event.”

Mr Edgerley said that in previous years the farmers’ market has attracted 3,000 or more people and he is hoping for a bigger number this time.

“If we could double that number it would be great, but the main purpose is to encourage more people to visit the town centre on a Sunday, take advantage of the free parking and try out our local cafés, restaurants and pubs,” he said.