Michelin Star chefs will be among the highlights of this year's two-day food festival when it returns to Stratford-upon-Avon later this month.

Glynn Purnell and Tom Shepherd will be showcasing their culinary talents in a series of free demonstrations in the cookery kitchen across the festival weekend, which will include 130 artisan stalls.

Tom Shepherd, a previous Great British Menu winner on the BBC, will feature on Saturday 28. He is also the name behind Staffordshire's only Michelin star restaurant, Upstairs, in Lichfield.

Chef and restaurateur Glynn Purnell takes over the stage on Sunday 29.

His restaurant portfolio includes The Mount in Henley-in-Arden as well as Purnell's Bistro in Birmingham and Charterhouse, which opened in Coventry this year.

Local businesses will also be taking to the stage, including Shakespeare Distillery with a cocktail making demonstration.

There's even the chance to gets hands on with mixology yourself on board the new Gin Company Cocktail Tours Bus.

The diverse range of stalls, all representing regional producers, includes everything from cheeses, freshly baked goods and artisanal oils, to mouthwatering sweet treats, jams and preserves and gourmet beverages. And the festival's street food traders will whet appetites with an array of global cuisine on offer.

Tom Shepherd, a previous Great British Menu winner on the BBC, will feature on Saturday (image supplied)

A host of free entertainment available on both days includes face painting, balloon modelling, musicians, stilt walker, and living statues and comedy waiters, who are set to entertain shoppers with a hysterical combination of silent sketches, slapstick and dance.

The event is a partnership between Stratford-upon-Avon BID and LSD Promotions, working together to deliver a high-profile event for the town centre.

Stratford-upon-Avon BID (Business Improvement District) is 100 per cent funded by local businesses and is organising and funding the two-day Food Festival and the town's Christmas lights switch on event. It will go to ballot during February 2024 and local businesses will determine whether the BID continues for a further five-year term.

A spokesperson for LSD said: "The Stratford Food Festival is not just about food; it's about celebrating the vibrant community and the diverse flavours and culinary talents that define our region. Families, friends, and food connoisseurs of all ages are invited to share in this extraordinary weekend."

Rich Jones, chair of the Board at Stratford BID, said: "The BID is delighted that we've overcome recent problems to ensure this fantastic event goes ahead and we look forward to welcoming visitors to come along and enjoy the wide range of shopping and experiences on offer."

Stratford Food Festival runs between 10am and 6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday on Henley Street and Bridge Street.