Top TV chef to headline Solihull food and drink festival

Solihull 's Food & Drink Festival makes its much-awaited return this September - headlined by the popular TV chef Ainsley Harriott.

Taking place between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 September, the free family festival will feature more than 80 food and drink traders in Mell Square, Mill Lane and Solihull High Street.

Organised by Solihull BID and supported by RR Events, this year 's event will also feature the live music Rum and Reggae zone featuring the country 's top tribute acts Rats In The Kitchen and Badness.

Plus, there 's the much-loved demo kitchen, taster tent, restaurant voucher booklet and roaming entertainment across the town centre and inside Touchwood.

On Saturday 25 September, Ainsley Harriott takes the reins, entertaining the crowd in the demo kitchen before signing copies of his new cookbook in Touchwood.

He will also be joined by a line-up including Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell and Laura Adlington, finalist on Great British Bake Off 2020.

Ainsley (pictured) said: “I 'm delighted to be coming to Solihull on 25 September for the Solihull Food & Drink Festival. I 'll be hoping to tickle your taste buds with cooking demonstrations and I 'll also be signing copies of my latest cookbook.

“I 'm so looking forward to seeing you all in Solihull town centre, for what promises to be a fantastic weekend! ”

On Sunday 26 September, the festival will focus on the kids with adventures in food and science presented by the Gastronaut, known for his fun shows on BBC and CBBC, and arts and crafts specialists Creation Station in Mell Square.

Laura Adlington will also be on hand to showcase the baking skills that made her a firm favourite with viewers.

The town centre crowd will be wowed throughout the weekend with plenty of roaming entertainment including Zeus the giant T-Rex, the Comedy Waiters, Juggling Jim and kids ' favourite, the Bubbleologist.

Melanie Palmer, chief executive of Solihull BID, said: “This year 's Food Festival is a huge celebration of all the things we 've missed over the past months - food, fun, entertainment and laughter.

“Solihull leads the way in offering a safe, colourful environment for everyone to enjoy. Dinosaurs, Ainsley Harriott, street food and reggae - what more could you want?! ”

Look out also for free tasters from Solihull 's own restaurants in the taster tent, which a sought-after voucher booklet will provde mouth-watering offers.

For more information on Solihull BID events and activities, click here.