THOUSANDS are expected to descend on the county town of North Yorkshire this weekend for one of the most successful events of its kind.

The annual Northallerton Homegrown Food Festival has developed into a hugely popular celebration of all things tasty since it was launched in 2012.

Last year it saw record crowds of more than 6,000 and this Sunday hopes are high that even more will turn up for the free event.

“It has grown enormously but the important thing for us is to keep it fresh and different and keep the connection with local foods and producers,” said Sally Anderson, one of the volunteer organisers.

With live music, guest chefs, cooking for kids, and a wide range of locally produced food and drink, the event is held on the Applegarth Park from 10am to 5pm.

This year organisers are expecting a real buzz about the festival as they dedicate it to the Year of the Bee with activities demonstrating how bees benefit from the environment and the importance of bee-friendly plants.

Guest chefs in the Food Theatre include Simon Crannage from Swinton Park, Dave Russell from the Buck Inn at Maunby, Tristan Prudden from the Garden Rooms at Tennant’s in Leyburn, Sarah Muir from the Arches Cookery School at Grinkle Park Farm near Saltburn, Harrison Barraclough from the George at Wath near Ripon and Misba Ellahi from Ooty’s in Stokesley.

Other attractions include the Kids’ Kitchen with cookery workshops for children and the Grow Zone where the “Inspiration Shed” will feature local enthusiasts encouraging people to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs.

One of the main driving forces behind the festival has always been to encourage the community to embrace locally-sourced food and drink and support small independents - and more than 100 stalls have been taken by local producers.

The chosen charity for this year will be Herriot Hospice Homecare, which works to help meet the needs of patients and carers affected by any life-limiting illness.

Two different music stages will see a wide variety of local bands and musicians performing.

Mrs Anderson added: “We want people not only to come and see but to get involved as well, and have a go at different things, whether it’s bee keeping, cookery or art and crafts.

“Some sunshine would help but a lot of the events and stalls are undercover.”