A new Christmas Food Festival full of varied festive treats, handmade gifts and local produce, will be held at Beechenhurst Lodge on Sunday, November 26th.

The event is being organised by the team behind the very popular Forest Showcase Food Festival, and will be a smaller version of the large main event held every October.

As well as the usual seasonal foodie treats like mince pies and mulled wine, regional producers and breweries will be laying out their wares to add a real local flavour to the festive proceedings.

Many of the Forest of Dean local food producers will be there with over 40 stalls, so you can stock up on your favourites including cheeses, pickles and preserves, beers, wines and ciders, speciality gins, chocolates, puddings, cakes and lots of sweet treats to taste and buy.

There will be a cookery theatre where local chefs will be demonstrating seasonal recipes, including Yvette Farrell from Harts Barn Cookery School making Boozy Truffles, Madgetts Farm will be demonstrating how to make a three bird roast and Isabels bakehouse will be demonstrating ways to decorate your Christmas cake.

You can get hands on and join in a workshop in making Christmas wreaths or table decorations, and there will be sessions in biscuits and gifts you can make as presents for others at Christmas, as well as breads and dishes you can make with your child at home over the Christmas holidays.

There will be plenty of kids activities too. You can paint a pebble or make a christmas tree decoration, as well as some fabulous handmade arts and crafts that will make perfect Christmas presents.

All this will be with the accompaniment of some live music and choral singing from Chepstow Singing Club and the Ukes uv Azzard.

So come along and start your Christmas shopping with some lovely local tasty treats!

The event is undercover and car parking is free and on hard standing.

More information can be found online at: www.forestshowcase.org