Cornwall is gearing up for another moment in the spotlight as the dates are announced for the biggest annual celebration of the county's storming food and drink scene. The Great Cornish Food Festival is the largest event anywhere dedicated 100% to Cornish food and drink and it will take place this year from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September.

Known as a melting pot of the talented producers and trail-blazing chefs that have earned the county its reputation as the top UK destination for lovers of good food, this year's festival is expected to draw a crowd of around 40,000 people to Truro, Cornwall's capital, to enjoy three days of tastings, culinary titbits and food-loving fun for all ages. Celebrated seafood chef Nathan Outlaw is confirmed to headline a tantalising programme of masterclasses and demonstrations across two different stages, in company with a host of Cornwall's top chefs and food experts.

With a packed timetable of hands-on masterclasses, sampling and kids' activities, and loyal supporter GWR taking the headline sponsor spot for the second year, the Great Cornish Food Festival is set to be another unmissable event where splendid local food and drink really has its chance to shine. Festival visitors will be treated to an array of demonstrations on everything from filleting fish to the art of curing, chocolatiering to cocktail creativity, and as always, everything on sale from festival exhibitors will have been produced in Cornwall.

Organisers Cornwall Food & Drink, the hub organisation for all things great in Cornish food, are anticipating over 60 producers and more than 40 chefs and food experts taking part, with an exhibitor line-up that includes everyone from household Cornish names like Rodda's, Sharp's Brewery and Furniss, to artisan producers such as Southwestern Distillery and Deli Farm Charcuterie, who are making serious waves across the UK. Entrance to the Great Cornish Food Festival, which has firmly cemented its place as one of the best loved food events anywhere, is completely free of charge.