HUNDREDS of people are expected to pack the Cathedral for the second annual Worcester Food and Drink Festival.

Last year's inaugural festival, featuring dozens of local food and drink producers, was such a hit that organisers are bracing themselves for huge crowds again this year.

About 30 producers from around Worcestershire and neighbouring counties will sell their wares in the Cathedral's cloisters, on Friday and Saturday.

Produce on offer will include fresh bread, puddings, cakes, sweets, cider, honey, salad dressings, beer, fruit gin, cheese, ice cream, organic yoghurt, jams, pickles, herb vinegars and hand-made crisps.

All are made by small producers using traditional methods of cooking and preparation.

TV celebrity chef James Martin will cook up some fantastic menu ideas using local produce and there will be a "Get Set Cook" challenge between chefs Alan Coxon and Simon Smith.

"We had such good attendance last year and we have done more advertising this year so we are expecting quite a few people," said Jo Amos, project officer for Heart of England Fine Foods, which is organising the festival.

"We have also had even more interest from producers this year.

"I think some of them were a bit sceptical about attending the first one. Now the word has spread, we've got even more coming this year, as well as all the people from last year who are coming back."

Miss Amos said she was pleased to have secured James Martin, who will be cooking on Saturday in a special demonstration kitchen, built by Robson Ward, of Malvern.

"It is a real treat to have James up for the day.

"He is so enthusiastic about using regional produce and has already planned out some fabulous recipe ideas.

"It will be great to see such a wide range of fresh local produce feature in his demonstrations, a lot of it grown, made or produced right here in Worcestershire."

Entry to the festival is free and there will be plenty of children's activities, as well as a jazz band playing in the Cathedral grounds.

The Tastes of Worcestershire award scheme will also be launched at the festival.

The awards, held in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, aim to encourage more eateries to cook with and promote local food and drink.

The festival runs from 10am to 5pm both days.