FOOD and drink lovers who also enjoy walking are being urged to take part in this year's Malvern Munch Food Walk

This year's event takes place on Sunday, May 24, starting from Rose Bank Gardens in the centre of Great Malvern.

The scenic seven-mile walk over and around the Malvern Hills offers participants the chance to taste some great local food and drink at selected venues whilst listening to live music at stops along the way.

The Malvern Munch is just one part of the Bank Holiday food-themed weekend.

On Monday, May 25, the Great Malvern Food Festival features the region’s leading cookery stage experts Wot’s Cooking, who will be bringing their mobile kitchen theatre to host demonstrations by some of the area’s leading chefs.

The festival retains a strong commitment to promoting local food and drink, as do the demonstrator chefs, and they will be purchasing most of their ingredients locally.

Cllr Phil Grove, Malvern Hills District Council's portfolio holder for the economy and tourism, said: “We’re very excited with the Malvern Food Festival events we have planned for this year’s May bank holiday.

"With our Malvern Munch walk, locals and visitors alike will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery from the Malvern Hills, work up a thirst and an appetite and then savour some of the finest food and drink for miles.

"The Great Malvern Food Festival will also bring over 60 stalls selling wonderful local food and drink as well as cooking demonstrations and live entertainment to the town. We expect to have a friendly and vibrant family atmosphere once again and we look forward to seeing people there.”

Throughout the festival, there will also be chances for the public to get involved in hands-on cooking experiences, and street performers and musicians will also be providing entertainment throughout the day.

Tickets for the Malvern Munch are now available from the Tourist Information Centre in Church Street, at a cost of £20 for adults and £12 for children.

Last year’s walk was very popular and sold out in a matter of days so early booking is advised. The TIC can be contacted on 01684 892289 or go to visitthemalverns.org/foodfest.