THE first Middlewich Food and Drink Festival is set to take place in the town centre with an appearance from celebrity chef David Mooney.


The festival will run alongside the Makers Market on Saturday, July 26, and Sunday July 27, and will see David giving cookery demonstrations at 2pm on the bull ring on Saturday.


David is the co-owner and chef patron at The New Moon Pub Company and has a glittering CV including an apprenticeship with Raymond Blanc and a stint as commis chef to Marco Pierre White.


The celebrity chef is recognised by most from his role as resident chef on the region’s Granada Tonight programme.


Jonathan Williams, Middlewich town clerk, said: “Middlewich Town Council is delighted to host and promote this the first Food and Drink Festival in Middlewich.


“It’s a celebration of local food and produce, builds upon the success of the Makers Market, and is an opportunity for local businesses and retailers to get on board and share in what will be a very successful new venture for Middlewich.


“We’re excited to welcome celebrity chef David Mooney who will be demonstrating his cooking skills.”


The festival will work with the Makers Market and will feature beer tasting and cheese tasting as well as themed events in local pubs and eateries.


Victoria Jackson, organiser of the Makers Market, said: “It’s really nice to focus on the great food that is available in Middlewich.


“Since the re-launch of the market we’ve had a lot more stall holders with local food produce and this is a great way to promote that.”


As well as taking place alongside the Makers Market on Wheelock Street, various venues around the town will be involved in the Food and Drink Festival.


The venues are Alhambra Chinese Restaurant, Ayaan’s Indian Restaurant, Balti Spice, Big Lock, Dino’s Pizza, The King’s Lock, The Narrowboat, Salt Cellar, Sandhurst Hotel, and The White Bear.