Good food lovers are in for another fun tasting treat this October at the popular Dartmouth Food Festival.

Now in its fourth year, Dartmouth's own celebration of good local food and drink is being staged with South Hams Food and Drink Association, the 85 strong group of producers, retailers, restaurateurs and accommodation that produce or use top quality product originating from the South Hams.

'Love the Flavour' is this year's theme and 50 local producers, 20 local and celebrity chefs and 20 food lover speakers are expected to take part over the three public days - Friday 12 October to Sunday 14 October in Dartmouth's historic Market Square.

Dartmouth Food Festival is being sponsored by local businesses, South Devon AONB and South Hams Food and Drink Association through Devon Renaissance funding.

James Brown, Dartmouth Food Festival: "Last year we had an estimated 3,500 visitors who were able to enjoy the fun atmosphere and sample great local food and drink and we hope the majority will be tempted back."

James Brown, festival chairman, said: "The Dartmouth Food Festival is the best small food festival in the country. Last year we had an estimated 3,500 visitors who were able to enjoy the fun atmosphere and sample great local food and drink and we hope the majority will be tempted back.

"This year is a treat in store, especially the cooking shacks where our chefs take local produce and turn it into sexy fast food for the festival goers. It's all very energetic, highly entertaining and very interactive with everyone bringing their favourite foods from the Festival market stalls for the chefs to cook for them whilst they wait.

"It's a taste of food heaven to see quality local ingredients being cooked fresh, for example fresh River Dart prawns or locally caught sea bass. Our festival committee plan to make this the best festival yet and I urge everyone to put the dates in their 'not too be missed' diary."

During the festival, local restaurants, hoteliers and even B&B’s in and around the town are invited to offer festival menus. Leading hoteliers, such as the Dart Marina, Brown’s and the Royal Castle Hotel, will also be promoting inclusive three night festival break stays.

Phil Bond, chairman of the South Hams Food and Drink Association, said: "Our members aim to make South Hams Food and Drink a nationally recognised brand for outstanding sustainable food and drink.

"What better showcase can there be than the Dartmouth Food Festival to promote the area’s distinct culinary identity? We're looking forward to serving existing and new customers and giving our solid endorsement to the event."

Producers from around the West Country and restaurateurs and accommodation providers from in and around Dartmouth and the South Hams who wish to participate, should contact James Brown on info@dartmouthfoodfestival.co.uk.

Producer members of South Hams Food and Drink Association should contact Karen Marshall on 01803 712393 or email admin@lovetheflavour.co.uk.

This year's much-hyped Dartmouth Food Festival takes place from October 10-14.