Kendal Regeneration Manager Joanne Galton and her team have painted the town pink in preparation for the first ever Kendal Festival of Food which kicks off on October 24.

From high street banners and posters galore, to brochures, balloons and stickers, every inch of Kendal is now sporting the festival’s eye-catching pink logo to whet people’s appetite for the forthcoming feast.

“Buying local food makes an essential contribution to the sustainability of the countryside, the rural economy, the environment and Kendal as a market town,” said Ms Golton.

Foodies who have already dipped into the action-packed programme, which lists more than 120 events, are certainly licking their lips thanks to a host of delicious treats including free tastings, and special discounts, culinary workshops, and farm visits.

One of the highlights of the festival is expected to be 'meet the producers' at Kendal Town Hall on Monday, October 26. The experts will include Roger Mason, who produces Heaves Farm rose veal; Peter McCafferty from Quiggins mintcake; and John Holmes of the Westmorland Damson Association. This free event starts at 6pm.

On Friday, October 30, the 'market kitchen' taking place during Kendal Farmers Market will feature a full day of cookery demonstrations from the likes of local chefs Julian Ankers of Kendal's Bridge Street restaurant and Patrick Moore of the award-winning More? Artisan Bakery at Staveley, as well as a sausage-making demonstration from Endmoor farmer and local food champion Peter Gott and a cheese-making demo by his son Martin.

Kendal College’s ‘take and bake’ for youngsters is fully booked already, but there are still places on Tuesday’s demo by chefs from the Lakes Hotel School and Wednesday’s food and wine tasting.

A chance to see how Farrer’s roasts its famous coffee has also proved a sell-out but there’s still time to book a place on sausage-making courses at Sillfield and Kitridding farms - and yet get to take home your sausages!

Youngsters will also be able to eat the fruits of their labours at Infusion in Finkle Street which is calling all pizza-loving kids to have a go at making their own on Wednesday, from 3.30pm. Strictly first come, first served.

Thursday’s showing of the film Pig Business at Castle Street Community Centre is a free event which starts at 7pm. Growing Well’s grand tour of this inspiring community enterprise based at Low Sizergh Farm is also a free event (starts 2pm).

“There will be something to do every day of the festival,” said Ms Golton. “And a lot of the events are free.”

The official launch of Kendal Festival of Food takes place in Wainwright’s Yard on Friday, October 23, at 2.30pm when the Mayor of Kendal is expected to try his hand at dough throwing with experts from Pizza Express.

* Pick up your free Kendal Festival of Food brochure from The Westmorland Gazette in Wainwright’s Yard, and from tourist information centres.