Food and drink aficionados and enthusiastic amateurs can look forward to an inclusive and eclectic mix of festivities in the historic surroundings of Ludlow Castle at the Spring Festival which runs from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12.

Known far and wide as a haven of food lovers, the thriving market town of Ludlow is home to a wealth of independent retailers, cafes and restaurants, as well as pioneering food and drink producers. The birthplace of the UK’s longest established Food Festival (which turns 25 this September), the organisers also host an annual Spring Festival. This edition is a sociable weekend that showcases the creativity and talent that thrives in the Marches – with a focus on real ales.

Friday night introduces the SIBA Beer Festival, where visitors can Meet the Brewer and sample the day’s winning entries from SIBA’s Wales & West Competition. The weekend will showcase an impressive line-up of over 200 real ales, craft beers and ciders, wines and spirits. There’s also a tempting range of food stalls selling freshly prepared, locally sourced food-to-go, as well as a handpicked selection of the region’s finest producers and makers.

In addition to the pints and bites, there is a diverse programme of live music to keep visitors entertained featuring folk, indie, jazz, rock, and rhythm and blues. The line-up includes festival favourites, Call of the Kraken and XL5, in addition to up and coming local performers. Giving visitors food for thought, the ‘Talks & Tipples’ sessions will be hosted by some of the area’s fascinating food and drink experts. The presentations will provide insight on popular topics such as foraging, gin, cheese, vodka, whisky and wine.

Hannah Mackley, Events Manager explains; “Spring Festival has such a unique atmosphere. It’s a real highlight in Ludlow’s social calendar and a great opportunity to meet up and relax with like-minded people. Anyone who shares a love of great food, drink, live entertainment and classic cars should definitely pay a visit to the Spring Festival in Ludlow Castle this May.”

Full details and the latest line-up can be found at www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk