FOOD fans are expected to descend on Leyburn next weekend attracted by the region’s best culinary delights all with a distinctly Yorkshire flavour.

Having relocated last year from its traditional out-of-town spot into the centre of Leyburn, the Dales Festival of Food and Drink returned to its roots.

The event, running over the weekend of June 17 and 18 will see 80 stalls offering food and drink ranging from the exotic to more traditional fare.

This year’s free cookery theatre is in Commercial Square at the top of town and will see chefs from the Yorkshire Dales and bestselling author and chef Hanna Sillitoe host live demonstrations.

To add to the atmosphere, live musical entertainment and performances will be given from Leyburn Amateur Dramatic Society including a sketch where the Last of the Summer Wine meets the Bake Off.

A craft fair and walk-about-entertainment are also on offer.

On both days a cheese expert from main sponsors Wensleydale Creamery will turn eight pints of local milk into 500g of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese in 40 minutes.

They have also created a children’s cheese truckle trail where you will need to wander around the town to find the clues to win prizes.

Organised by the Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Partnership Ltd, a registered charity, any financial surplus from the event goes to community causes. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has generated surplus funds of over £154,000.