PLANS are being cooked up ahead of one of the biggest events in Mold’s calendar.

The Mold Food and Drink Festival will return for its eighth year in September and organisers are already perfecting the recipe for another record-breaking event.

This year’s festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday September 21 and 22 in New Street car park.

The popular event will see thousands of tourists descending on the town, promising a boost for shops and hotels.

Last year the weekend saw almost 15,000 visitors, an all-time record and 20 per cent more than in the previous year.

According to the results of exit surveys conducted by volunteers at the festival last year, there was a significant rise in the number of visitors from Cheshire, Wirral and other parts of the UK.

On the Saturday almost 60 per cent of people interviewed said they had or would be visiting the shops in Mold, and 95 per cent of interviewees said they would visit the festival next year.

Many producers had sold out by the end of Saturday and had to restock overnight for Sunday.

More than 110 food and drink businesses attended the festival and demand for space this year is high.

Organisers have already received more than 50 bookings which is well ahead of last year.

John Les Tomos, chairman of Mold Food and Drink Festival said: “It is very encouraging to know the festival continues to receive such positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors, and their ongoing support is very much appreciated.

“The festival is a wonderful showcase opportunity for local food producers and hospitality providers.

“We received an excellent response last year from new, local food and drink businesses who took up our offer of exhibiting for free in the Business Enterprise Zone.

“We are looking forward to creating another fantastic festival based on the successful mix of food and drink producers, chef demonstrations, food based activities, competitions and live music.

“We will be looking to introduce new features and attractions that help promote local talent while appealing to the whole family.”

For more information about the festival and booking details for exhibitors, visit moldfoodfestival.co.uk or contact John Les Tomos on 01352 741466.

The Mold Food and Drink Festival is a True Taste Wales Festival and is funded by the Welsh Government.