A NEW midsummer celebration of the very best Cornish food and drink will take place this weekend.

The Great Cornish Food Weekend from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6 will kick off the season with tastings, demonstrations, children’s activities and a warm community vibe.

Based at the Great Cornish Food Store in Truro, the free event will showcase the full spectrum of high-quality local produce – from farming and fishing to artisan drinks and summer feasts.

Locals, visitors and families are invited to celebrate seasonal food and drink in a relaxed, mini-festival setting, with a full programme including talks from producers, interactive sessions and live music.

Those already signed up to appear are Trevethan Distillery, St Ewe Free Range Eggs, Moosh Mallows, Callestick Farm, Lynher Dairies, Furniss Foods, Wild Pesto, Tarquin’s Gin, 8Track Rum, Knightor Winery and Cornish Sea Salt.

Outside the store there will be café tables, family activities and a pop-up barbecue. Schools will be offered the chance to attend the event and meet producers.

Ruth Huxley, managing director of the Great Cornish Food Store and founder of industry body Cornwall Food and Drink, said: “The Great Cornish Food Weekend is designed to celebrate all that is great about our thriving food and drink industry. It will be a chance to meet a wide range of producers from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, hear their stories and learn some of the secrets of their success, all in a relaxed and friendly setting.”

The event is closely aligned with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Agrifood Strategy and Action Plan, which was launched earlier this year and highlights how Cornwall can lead the way in regenerative, high-quality food and drink.

Truro Park and Ride will be open throughout the food weekend, including the Sunday.