SIXTY stalls have already signed up to grab a spot at the upcoming Great Malvern Food Festival.

The annual event — now in its fifth year — takes place in just over a month’s time, where a host of local produce will be on sale.

Over the last five years the festival has grown to attract around 5,000 people to the town, and this year organisers are expecting more people than ever.

This year’s event, which takes place on Monday, May 25, will see the return of the Malvern Munch Food Walk, which is held the day before the festival.

The Food Walk takes people on a tasty trail over and around the Malvern Hills from morning breakfast at a cafe in Great Malvern accompanied by music, to a chocolate and coffee stop where a dramatic performance will take place, before continuing on to Colwall for lunch with music from a jazz band, before stopping for a spot of high tea followed by a final stop back at the starting cafe for cheese and beer from the Friday Beer Company.

Malcolm Salisbury, economic development officer with Malvern Hills District Council, said this year should be the “biggest and best” yet.

“We have already been inundated with people interested in having stalls at the festival,” he said.

“The food festival on the Monday is a fantastic event which will feature many stalls filled with local produce.

“There will be music, dancing, workshops and a vintage and retro market, so there really should be something for everyone.

“We also have food demonstrations and we’ll be getting local schools involved this year."

Tickets for the Food Walk are now on sale, costing £20. Call 01684 892289 or visit visitthemalverns.org.