THE countdown has begun for one of the fastest-growing events on the region’s foodie calendar.

Northallerton’s Homegrown Food Festival has been a hit with the public since it was first launched back in 2012 to bring people closer to the produce from their own doorstep.

Last year’s event saw some 6,000 people attend and around 100 stallholders take part. There were also cookery demonstrations throughout the day, including a star turn from Yorkshire-born celebrity chef Brian Turner who demonstrated his skills to a packed Food Theatre.

This year’s festival, the fourth, will be held on June 28 on the Applegarth from 10am to 5pm - and the organisers are promising award-winning chefs, great local food producers and inspirational growing ideas.

The festival is run by the Homegrown Food Group, a team of dedicated volunteers whose aim is to stage an event that showcases local producers and is also a family day out.

Entry to the event for visitors is free and the organisers would like to keep it that way.

Group chair Sally Anderson said: “One of the festival’s biggest selling points is that it is open to everyone and it is a true community event because of this.

“People stay all day browsing the food stalls, listening to great live music and taking part in activities. It’s a brilliant day out for both adults and children.”

In previous years festival goers have described the event as having “a great atmosphere” and called it a celebration of local people and community spirit.

Stallholder Steve Hewitt from Olivia’s Café on the High Street said: ““From our point of view, the festival was spot on.

“We had to go back to the shop and replenish our stock. Our café did well on the day too, showing that the festival is of real benefit to the town.”

Applications for stallholders are still being accepted and preference will be given to food, drink and plant producers from within a 50-mile radius of Northallerton. However, applications will also be considered from makers of more unusual products outside of the boundary.

The Food Group is also to hear from food and drink producers who are just starting out. Plot fees start from £60 and special rates are available for fledgling businesses.

For more information about the festival visit homegrownfoodfest.co.uk or

email homegrownfoodfest@gmail.com