A VIBRANT showcase of the region’s best food and drink is set to take over Kendal next month.

The Kendal Festival of Food will see more than 80 exhibitors from Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, York-shire, Merseyside and County Durham fill the town with their offerings in a two-day event on March 29 and 30.

Chefs such as Ian Swainson, of the Michelin starred Samling Hotel, and Kevin Tickle from Rogan and Company, will show-off their talents in demonstrations and the renowned Meringue Girls will make a guest appearance to present their innovative ideas for the latest foodie craze.

There will be a ‘field to fork’ talk from a representative of Askham Hall, near Penrith, a coffee master-class from Carvetti Coffee Roasters, a tasting tour of cheeses from Cartmel Cheeses, talks and tastings from The Lakes Distillery, Bedrock Gin, The Famous 1657 Chocolate House and a beer festival at The Brewery Arts Centre.

The event is set to be a great family day out, with a mirror-image festival taking place in Elephant Yard for children, complete with its own programme and a visit from CBBC’s ‘Gastronaut’ Stefan Gates.

Cath Dutton, who is organising the event with Stacy Hurley, said they were ‘really excited’ about this year's event.

She added: “We are really pleased with how the whole festival is coming together, and building on the success of last year – there is so much more going on in 2014 making it a festival for all ages to enjoy and it’s a very affordable weekend out too.

"There are still plenty of opportunities for firms and residents to get involved, so please get in touch.”

The pair have also joined up with schools to offer a Masterchef competition and an easter egg hunt, and Kendal College students will be cooking, filming and doing street theatre over the weekend.

For information or to book tickets visit www.kendal-festivaloffood.co.uk.