A CUMBRIAN hotel group will be hosting its second seafood festival, following the success of the inaugural event.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues will hold the foodie celebration at the art-deco Midland Hotel on Morecambe's waterfront.

The foodie extravaganza will feature a marquee of food and drink stalls, an artisan gin bar and an oyster bar.

“The Midland is aiming once again to celebrate the finest fare from in and around our UK coastal waters, as well as giving regional food and drink suppliers the chance to showcase their produce, from Morecambe Bay shrimps and cockles through to salt marsh lamb,” said Mark Needham from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues.

“Last year’s event was a huge success, which is why we are adding to the fun this year with the outdoor party atmosphere of the Sunset Festival on the Saturday evening."

He estimated that around 2,000 people attended the first festival last year, with 500 oysters served up more than 500 Isle of Man Queenie scallops and more than 100 seafood afternoon teas.

"We are looking forward to hosting even more festival goers this year," he said.

The festival itself takes place on July 2 at 11am and a Seafood Sunset Festival, with a BBQ and live music, will take place on July 1 from 6pm to 10pm.

Over the weekend, the Midland Hotel’s Sun Terrace will provide the backdrop for hands-on displays about seafood.

Local Morecambe Bay potted shrimps and cockle expert Frank Benson will show festival visitors how to prepare the perfect seafood dish, while Smokey Jo’s will give demonstrations on smoking fish and meats.

The Midland’s tea merchant James Green and his company Tea from the Manor will also showcase a range of different loose leaf teas.

Afternoon tea sittings during the weekend of the festival will give visitors the option of adding a seafood inspired sampling platter, as well as the traditional finger sandwich selections, scones and a selection of delicate homemade cakes.

To find out more about the Seafood Festival, call 0330 4042674 or 01524 424000.