A STAR-STUDDED line-up of glittering gourmets is expected to attract record visitor numbers to the Gloucester Quays Food Festival this year.

The event, being held from Friday July 22 until Sunday July 24, promises to be a fabulous feast of food, drink, live entertainment and fun.

Now in its sixth year, the festival is established as the biggest event of its type in the South West and, with even more to see and do this year, it is expected to exceed the 148,000 visitors who attended in 2015.

TV’s popular chef Tom Kerridge, Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain and Reggae Reggae Sauce creator Levi Roots will all be demonstrating their skills.

There will be live music featuring some of the best new musical artists from Gloucestershire and beyond and more than 120 stalls offering everything from mouth-watering artisan pies, succulent farm sausages and lovingly brewed real ales to crafts and jewellery.

Following her appearance at the Droitwich Food Festival, Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain will be demonstrating some of the delicious recipes from her book Nadiya’s Kitchen on Friday July 22.

On Saturday July 23, TV chef Tom Kerridge will return to his home city of Gloucester to share the skills that have made him a household name and wow the crowds at Gloucester Quays Food Festival.

Tom said: “Having grown up in Gloucester and with strong family ties in the area, I can’t wait to return to the city. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone at Gloucester Quays Food Festival, it should be a fantastic weekend.”

Tom, who is the chef patron of the two-Michelin starred Hand and Flowers pub plus another restaurant, The Coach, both in Marlow, is also a hugely successful TV chef and food presenter.

On Sunday July 24 Levi Roots, who soared to fame when he appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den with his now famous Reggae Reggae Sauce, will be entertaining visitors.

He went on to open his own Caribbean restaurant, launch a successful musical career, become a motivational speaker and even publish a business book.

Nadiya Hussain, Tom Kerridge and Levi Roots will all be signing their books and meeting and greeting fans at 2.45pm inside Gloucester Quays Outlet on the day that they each appear at the festival.

Gloucester Quays centre manager Matt Bird said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming TV chefs Tom Kerridge, Nadiya Hussain and Levi Roots to the food festival this year and I’m sure their live cooking demonstrations and the passion they have for creating the finest food are going to thrill our visitors.

“The festival really will be a fantastic event for all the family to enjoy with a host of attractions, some of the finest foods, drink and gifts plus special event offers from many of our retailers.”

Young foodie fans will be able to try their hand in the Kids Cookery Zone in Pillar and Lucy Square (opposite Cineworld), where they will get hands-on guided cooking sessions at the award-winning Kids Cookery School, on the hour each day from 11am to 4pm. Places can be booked on the day.

For full details on Gloucester Quays Food Festival or to book tickets for the celebrity chef demos visit www.gloucesterquays.co.uk

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to unwind on the lawn next to the live music stage and enjoy delicious food-to-go, cocktails, real ale and cider whilst listening to some great summertime sounds.