Things will be heating up in Kingston kitchens as the town dedicates a whole week to celebrating all things food and drink with events like food trails and live cookery shows to keep people entertained.

Festival director Nick Mosley says: “Showcasing quality, local food – from the farm to the restaurant – is a key aim.

“We want to make the Kingston Food Festival as accessible as possible to ensure everyone can enjoy good food and drink, and learn more about the fantastic, affordable English produce on their doorsteps.”

Kicking off the event is a mix-off cocktail competition on Monday at Las Iguanas, in Kingston High Street, where drink connoisseurs can watch staff from Kingston’s favourite bars take on a rum challenge.

The entertainment will then continue on Thursday as family friendly fun takes the form of a food trail through the town, with tasters offered on route, between 2pm and 6pm and a chilli-eating challenge in Memorial Gardens on Saturday.

Week long events are also expected to draw in the crowds with a coinciding restaurant week seeing various eateries offer special discounts and the festival fringe hosting workshops and cookery master classes.

Finally the whole festival will be topped off by a weekend packed with events including the children’s food festival where youngsters can have a go at cooking.

The Kingston Market will be packed with stalls run by more than 50 growers, producers and restaurants and offering everything from spicy curries to a traditional hog roast, and live food shows in the market place.

Ros Morgan, chief executive of Kingstonfirst, says: “This is going to be one of our best food festivals.

"We have added many new features such as the chilli challenge and food bravery activities for children as well as incorporating much loved events like the food trail, restaurant week and the Live Food Show."

Kingston Food Festival, Venues throughout Kingston, Monday, August 6, to Sunday, August 12. Times and prices vary. Visit kingstonfoodfestival.com.