CHRISTMAS is coming early to Tatton Park with the return of the country's largest food and drink event.
Foodies Festival billed as the UK's 'biggest celebration of food and drink' will be back from November 16-18 offering a mouth-watering array of festive-themed attractions.
Organisers welcomed more than 30,000 food-lovers to the stately home for their summer crowd-puller back in July.
Festival director Sue Hitchen said: "We have events up and down the country, but we love Tatton so much we stage two festivals a year at the venue, one in the summer and one nearest Christmas.
"We're back in November with plans to turn it into a magical winter wonderland full of exciting flavours and fun festive activities for all the family."
The three-day event showcases the best of Cheshire restaurants, chefs, street food and UK food and drink producers in huge marquees.
Visitors can hone their hosting skills in the 12 Top Festive Tips masterclasses and get merry with craft beer, wine and champagne tasting sessions in the Drinks Theatre.
The Chefs Theatre will return with a programme of TV cooks demonstrating their culinary genius.
The festive theme continues with an Elf's Cookery School for children, music stage with Christmas carols and artisan market with more than 100 stalls selling mouth-watering food and gorgeous gifts.
Attractions also include the ever-popular Gin Alley, award-winning treats in Pudding Hall and Champagne Ski Bar.
Sue, who hails from Knutsford, added: "We can't wait to be back at Tatton, it's truly a magical place in the run up to Christmas.
"The dates are confirmed, and we just need now to put the finishing touches to our line-up of star chefs.
"These will include famous faces from The Great British Bake Off and MasterChef champions. An exciting line-up is soon to be announced."
For more information and tickets. including VIP entrance, visit www.foodiesfestival.com