THREE exhibitors from the Okehampton area have already booked their slots at the upcoming Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and the Arts.

The event takes place on Saturday March 10 2012, enjoying its fourth outing. It is the first of the year's food festivals, a celebration of the coming of spring in the heart of Moretonhampstead.

Curworthy Cheese from Jacobstowe, Herbs and Spices from Okehampton and Sarah Marie's Country Home Accessories from Sampford Courtenay will be among the exhibitors at the 2012 event.

More than 80 food and drink exhibitors and 20 artists took part in the 2011 event with 5,000 visitors enjoying the festivities. 

The 90 stalls at this year's festival have already sold out.

The event will be opened by Gidleigh Park's two-star Michelin chef Michael Caines. He said: 'Events that pull a community together are something to be treasured and Moretonhampstead Food Festival really does achieve this.

'For me it combines some of my greatest pleasures, amazing local produce being showcased, incredibly talented local chefs demonstrating their skills and the chance to get out and about and talk to the locals.

'I am really honoured to be opening the festival again this year and getting the chance to begin the day's live cooking demos, but the best bit for me will be when my duties are over and I can explore the stalls.

'Tasting the produce and enjoying some food from the great stands and a bit of live entertainment all makes for a great day out.'

Festival organisers are holding their launch event today (Thursday) at Bovey Castle, discussing with exhibitors the theme of this year's festival, 'The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 60 Years of British food'.

Head chef at Bovey Castle Marc Hardiman is also meeting exhibitors, and the event also allows attendees to have a hands-on cider pressing experience and look at how Bovey Castle Sloe Gin is made.

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