It's that time again when a hungry public descend on Exeter for the very best South West food, drink and entertainment.

The region's most dynamic annual food and drink festival, the Exeter Festival of South West England Food & Drink 2008, is back with a bang next month for three days (April 11, 12 and 13) of action-packed culinary fun and indulgence for all ages to enjoy.

Celebrating produce of unbeatable quality and diversity, the festival - sponsored by Devon County Council and Exeter City Council - will be located in the heart of the City, among the beautiful surrounds of Northernhay Gardens and Exeter Castle.

Michael Caines, Executive Chef of Abode Boutique hotels and festival partner, said "The festival is an incredibly important event for local producers and gives consumers a chance to sample the fantastic quality and range of produce we have readily available on our doorstep in the Westcountry."

More than 100 of these regional food and drink producers will be showcasing their finest offerings in the Castle Courtyard and the three Food & Drink Pavilions in Northernhay Gardens, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers and Spar.

New this year is the Festival After Dark (Friday 11 April, 6-10pm), which is all about fun, entertainment and indulgence in the regal surrounds of the Exeter Castle Courtyard. Live music from local bands Melosa and Yes Sir Boss will set the perfect mood to enjoy the South West's finest local ales and beers or for a real treat, the champagne and oyster bar will be a great excuse to indulge. For those with a real hunger, a traditional hog roast and huge paella made from local ingredients will be served-up until late.

To top it all off, celebrity chef Michael Caines will be entertaining the crowds with a very special guest - to be announced nearer the time - in the Cookery Theatre at 7pm for all to enjoy before Hotel Barcelona create a stir with their cocktail demonstrations. Whether you're wanting to kick-start your night out on the town, enjoy an after work drink or enjoy a relaxed, school holiday event with the family, this new event is sure to hit the spot.

Michael Caines, Executive Chef of Abode Boutique hotels and festival partner, said "The festival is an incredibly important event for local producers and gives consumers a chance to sample the fantastic quality and range of produce we have readily available on our doorstep in the Westcountry."

The festival is always a hotbed for culinary talent and this year is no exception as seventeen of the UK's best chefs, all based in the South West, are set to entertain the crowds throughout the three days in the Castle Courtyard Cookery Theatre, that will seat up to 200 and is sponsored by 3663.co.uk and kitchen supplier intoto.co.uk.

Teaming up with the South West's foremost food ambassador and 'face' of the festival, Caines, will be favourites including Lesley Waters (Old Manor), James Tanner (The Barbican Kitchen Brasserie), Peter Gorton (Horn of Plenty), Neil Haydock (Fifteen Cornwall) and Chris Archambault (Hotel Barcelona). Nathan Outlaw (Restaurant Nathan Outlaw), recently crowned best newcomer in the Good Food Guide 2008, will be showing crowds on Sunday what it takes to be at the top. His not-to-be missed demonstration at noon on Sunday 13 is a must.

Intrinsically linked with the festival is the Brakes South West Chef of the Year 2008 competition. With the winners due to be announced the week before the festival (5th April), there will be no hiding as they are thrust into the limelight on Saturday 12th to cook their winning dish in front of the crowds.

Other recognised chefs showing off their skills in the Cookery Theatre during the three days will include Tina Bricknell (Webb Percy's Country Hotel), Matthew Mason (Jack in the Green), Simon Keating (Woolacombe Bay Hotel), Ian Webber (Gidleigh Park), Chris Horridge (Bath Priory Hotel & Restaurant), Darrin Hosegrove (Ashburton Cookery School), Paul Da Costa Greaves (The Galley Restaurant), Simon Hulstone (The Elephant Bar & Restaurant, Paul Wadham (Hotel Tresanton) and Andrew Shortman (No 21).

If this isn't enough action, small and big kids alike can enjoy an packed programme of activities in the Food is Fun Marquee, sponsored by Dartsfarm.co.uk, including keeping fit with Exeter City FC and getting noisy in the head-to-head battle between the 4th Exeter Cubs and the 9th Exeter Brownies for the ultimate in cook-offs. Join education ranger James Chubb as he delves into the 'deep blue sea', watch Lesley Waters, Peter Gorton and Matt Corner battle it out during the live filming of 'Classy Chefs' for ITV Westcountry or learn how to create the nation's favourite dish as Ron Hedicker and the children of Montgomery Primary School prepare the ultimate Sunday Roast thanks to castle-kitchens.com.

On Saturday (4pm), the Food is Fun Marquee will host Susy Atkins, regular presenter on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Telegraph wine expert, who will enlighten and educate visitors' senses with the regions finest wines.

The Restaurant Trail makes a welcome return with a record number of outlets taking part this year. Available from the April 11-23, the Restaurant Trail is the only way to cure those post-festival hunger blues thanks to the special festival menus and offers from participating outlets.

If a local tipple is on the cards, the brewers of the South West England Beer Festival are back with draught beers, Ales and ciders for the tasting at The Contented Cow Beer Festival. Sponsored by Foot-Ansteys.co.uk and located in the Castle Courtyard, more than 15 draught beers will be on sale from the Barum Brewery and Exe-valley Brewery among others, while Green Valley Cyder will be on hand to talk through their cider offerings.

For something more filling, the Boston Tea Party and Miles Tea & Coffee will be offering an array of delicious homemade sandwiches and cakes to satisfy the hungriest festivalgoers' appetite at the Westcountry café. For those with tired feet, a good old cup of tea or coffee blended by award-winning local tea blender and coffee roaster djmiles.co.uk will help re-energize before heading back to the Pavilions & Castle Courtyard…unless the Café's Westcountry cream teas are too tempting!

For more information, including ticket prices, visit, www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/exeterfoodfestival/.