Foodies to descend for Ludlow Spring Festival

Featuring some of the county's best food and drink producers, the event promises to tickle the tastebuds of the most discerning visitor.

And to tempt people away from the tents, there is also the Marches Transport Festival.

Held in the grounds of Ludlow Castle, the festival brings people from all over the country.

This year visitors can learn how to become a master cocktail mixologist with Bridgnorth-based Phillip Jeffery who has worked in 5 star establishments in both London and Sydney.

The free talks and tipples area has lined up sessions from CSons, Teme Valley Brewery, Hundred House Coffee, Shropshire Salumi and Paso Primero.

Learn more about Vermouth, the next big drinks trend, and how to make charcuterie the traditional way.

A wander around Ludlow is a great experience at the best of times with its medieval buildings and independent shops, but the festival takes it to a whole new level with a pie trail on Saturday and a pudding trail on Sunday.

The region’s best brewers and food producers will be present and visitors will find plenty of both in the castle across the weekend, as well as the Sunday market.

The regional heats of the SIBA Best Beer Awards take place behind closed doors on Friday afternoon just before the festival opens, so visitors will be the first to taste the award winners across the weekend.

Food lovers won’t be disappointed either with more than 60 stands to browse and buy from.

The Marches Transport Festival will have cars and vehicles from pre-war classics to 80s glamour, these gleaming classic and their owners take centre stage in the castle and around it. This year Land Rover is celebrating 70 years of the Defender and there will be examples from 40 years of its illustrious history.

There’s plenty for families to do too. from kid’s cookery to family games.

The festival starts 5pm on May 11 and runs across Saturday and Sunday. For more information and tickets go to ludlowspringfestival.co.uk and book online in advance to take advantage of discounted ticket prices.