THE Ilkley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town on June 15 and 16.

Held at East Holmes Field, visitors can expect a celebration of international influence and local talent.

Making its highly anticipated return is the ‘Street Food Arena’.

Showcasing an impressive array of global cuisines and cultural specialties, attendees can embark on a gastronomic journey, indulging in a vibrant selection of mouth-watering dishes.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

Accompanying the Street Food Arena are the renowned Artisan Market Places, hosting a diverse range of local traders, small businesses, and talented artisans.

Featuring more than 95 different traders, festival-goers can explore the range of offerings such as local produce, fresh-baked goods, hand-made crafts, and art.

There will be independent bars offering a variety of ciders, rum, gin, wine, and specialty cocktails.

In partnership with Vocation Brewery is the event’s Full Ale House, serving craft ales, IPAs, and cask favourites on draught.

Festival director Michael Johnston said: “Each year, we strive to make our production and entertainment better than the last. We’re really excited to debut the changes we’ve made and showcase the acts we’ve brought in.”

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

Following the success of last year’s tribute acts, the festival welcomes two new performers.

On Saturday, June 15 will be ‘The Beautiful Martins’- a tribute to the legacy of Paul Heaton.

With covers of classics from The Beautiful South and The House Martins, families are invited to sing along to renditions of timeless tunes such as ‘Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)’ and ‘Happy Hour’.

Taking the stage on Sunday, June 16, is Oli as Olly Murs. 

Both days of the event will be packed with talented local acts, with soloists, bands, and choirs taking to the stage throughout the day.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

Food enthusiasts can look forward to the Live Cookery Theatre.

Presented in partnership with Yorkshire Food Guide, it will provide a stage for renowned chefs to unveil the secrets and techniques of culinary mastery.

A series of entertainment options are available throughout the day.

The Live Entertainers Stage will feature six daily performing arts and magic shows.

There will be activities for children including quizzes, fact hunts, and roaming comedy, plus a funfair, with rides for both children and adult thrill-seekers.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

This year, the festival is unveiling two brand-new experiences.

In collaboration with the event’s traders are the on-site food tours. Over six sessions throughout the weekend, participants can embark on a culinary journey, savouring five distinct tasting sessions of global cuisines.

On Saturday, 'The Discount Comedy Checkout: Improvised Family Show' - an award-winning improv comedy show - will run.

At 5pm in the Live Cookery Theatre, families are encouraged to join the interactive comedy experience.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

The festival will partner with Bradford Mind, a charity committed to supporting mental health initiatives across the north. Through activities across the event and optional donations on ticket sales, the festival hopes to add to the more than £100,000 already raised.

For tickets, visit www.ilkleyfoodfestival.com