FOOD lovers will be going full steam ahead towards the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) for it s second annual food festival next weekend.

With a diverse range of mouth-watering delicacies on offer, there is likely to be something to tempt everyone to the heritage railway’s Engine House Visitor Centre, Highley.

Among the goodies on offer to tickle visitors’ tastebuds will be a spread of indulgent deserts from Piggotts Cakes & Puddings; a summery selection of tipples from Tipsy Fruit Gins, Tenbury, Worcestershire; local beers and ciders from Hobsons Brewery, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire; perfect pastries and scotch eggs from The Pie Creator, Stourport; ideal elevenses from Coffee & Crumpets, of Telford; and healthy fruit and veg from Box of Goodness, Shropshire.

Award-winning tipple for visitors to taste and buy will be on offer from one of England’s leading vineyards, Midlands-based Halfpenny Green Vineyard.

There will also be a hog roast for visitors to tuck into and pizza or pancakes available from local vendors.

Children can enjoy face-painting, and as well as perusing the many stalls on offer, visitors can explore the wealth of interactive and informative exhibits at The Engine House, including the brand new 50th Anniversary exhibition.

Taking people on a journey through the first half-century of the Railway, the exhibition features key moments in the SVR’s history, from the initial meeting of a group of steam enthusiasts who decided to re-open the line following its closure in 1963, through the milestones which have made it the much-loved tourist attraction that it is today.

Visitors can also see the SVR’s reserve collection of steam locomotives, King George VI Royal Carriage and Travelling Post Office, while kids can let off steam on the outdoor, railway-themed play area.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “Last year’s inaugural event went extremely well, so we are once again opening The Engine House Visitor Centre doors to some of the Midlands’ fantastic food producers.

“Many of last year’s favourites are back once again, as well as some brand new ones, and, in addition to exploring the festival and the wealth of exhibits at The Engine House, people can make a day of their visit by taking a trip along the line and exploring any of our six historic stations en-route.”

For more information on coming events, activities and bookings, visit www.svr.co.uk, call 01562 757900 or visit the Severn Valley Railway Families Facebook page.

The SVR Charitable Trust is currently trying to raise money to fund the 2015 intake of apprentices to its Heritage Training Skills Academy. Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit www.svrtrust.org.uk.