ORGANISERS last night vowed this year’s Southport Food and Drink Festival will be the best ever.

The four-day showcase, a highlight in the town’s events programme, starts tomorrow and is expected to draw in thousands of food lovers to the resort.

Celebrity chefs and the best local culinary wizards will share the secrets behind their signature creations and share tips on how to prepare dishes like professionals.

A fully-operational kitchen in Town Hall Gardens will host a non-stop programme of demonstrations, including a much-anticipated display from Wallasey-born TV chef Simon Rimmer.

Chapel Street will be transformed during the festival by food producers from around the region, who will display fine cheeses, fudges, pickles, meats and gourmet food.

Meanwhile, a Continental market will line Lord Street with stalls offering a range of European delights ranging from French breads to German bratwurst.

Michael Lever, from festival organiser Edge Street Events, said: “There really is something for everyone, whether its whisky or wine-tasting for the adults or kids enjoying cookery classes during the family day on Sunday.

“This year is bigger and better than ever, with the heart of the festival in Town Hall Gardens and festival markets along Chapel Street and Lord Street.”

The festival starts tomorrow with the town’s first-ever Chocolate Festival.

Located in the Pavilion in Town Hall Gardens, visitors will be able to taste the unique products from the chocolatier The Chocolate Cafe, including its trademark “real” drinking chocolate, gourmet chocolate bars and even chocolate pizzas.