Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the signature dish of the St Albans Food and Drink Festival – a six-hour-long street party.

The City Centre will be taken over on Sunday, September 29, for the free-to-attend family event called The St Albans Feastival.

Among the attractions will be more than 90 stalls to showcase products such as craft beers, flavoured gins, cheeses and artisan breads with many from local producers.

There will also be a cookery theatre featuring demonstrations of culinary skills by some of the District’s finest chefs, the Brooklyn Brewery Bus, pop-up restaurants, a tastings tent and Oaklands College Farm.

Live music will be provided by some of the District’s most talented musicians while there will be plenty of children’s activities including seed planting and a teddy bears picnic area.

The action, centred on St Peter’s Street and Market Place, begins at 12pm and goes on until 6pm.

Now in its twelfth year, the Food and Drink Festival is organised by St Albans City and District Council with the help of a steering group.

Councillor Mandy McNeil, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Business, Culture and Tourism, said: “The St Albans Feastival is one of the biggest city centre events of the year, a truly fantastic occasion that is most definitely not to be missed.

“I’m always amazed at just how good the District’s food and drink businesses are, the quality, creativity and diversity are outstanding. It’s of great importance to the local economy as a whole, providing jobs, attracting visitors and the St Albans Feastival is a marvellous showcase for them.

“It’s a vibrant occasion for people of all ages and backgrounds who want to experience new tastes, learn new kitchen skills or just have some fun.

“There’s something for everyone, many of the activities are free, our local musical superstars are on stage – it’s just a great afternoon out for the whole family.”

The Food and Drink Festival, which promotes all aspects of the District’s booming food and drink industry, runs from Monday, September 23, to Sunday, October 6.

Among the other highlights are Gin & Jazz, an evening of music as well as food and drink tastings in George Street on Friday, October 4.

On Saturday, September 28, the 9am Verulamium Park Run will be joined by Athena Ladies Running Club who will be handing out jelly babies and other surprises.

Legendary real ale expert Roger Protz will be hosting a beer tasting event at Lussmanns Restaurant on Sunday, September 30, at a ticket-only event.

A vegan street market will be staged on St Peter’s Street on Sunday, October 6, bringing the Festival to a close.

More information about the Feastival including details about tickets can be found at www.enjoystalbans/foodanddrink