A virtual event is calling on local artisans to join the country's largest online food market and festival, for the chance to showcase and sell their wares to foodies nationwide.

Wells Food Festival with Charlie Bigham's is delighted to announce the launch of a virtual 48-hour foodie extravaganza over the weekend of 10 & 11 October.

Regretfully, the decision has been made by the Wells Food Festival Committee to postpone the physical Festival this year, scheduled for Sunday 11 October.

"It has become increasingly evident that it would be both irresponsible and unfeasible to continue with the Festival in its normal format this year, during these uncertain times," explains festival director Jon Abbott. "But we are thrilled that working with our headline sponsor, Charlie Bigham's, we have been able to come up with an ideal alternative."

The virtual festival will showcase over 150 artisan producers from across the South West, providing them with an opportunity to reach a wider audience, via its virtual shopping experience – open for business now.

East Devon's Ebb Tides and Pinnacle Icing are both taking advantage of the online festival. Jenny Pinn from Pinnacle Icing, specialists in handmade and decorated biscuits, says: "We always enjoy the actual festival. It is a shame that we can't all be there this year in person. But we are delighted to be involved with the virtual festival, and to still be able to share the biscuit love with an even wider audience!"

An exciting, packed festival programme is also being put together for the weekend of 10 & 11 October, including a fun and inspiring line-up of activities.

There will be live streamed masterclasses, cook-alongs and talks by Charlie Bigham and his team of master chefs, plus guest appearances by well-known Westcountry food stars.

At-home festivalgoers can sign-up to a flower arranging workshop with Georgie Newby, Somerset artisan florist and flower farmer at Common Farm Flowers, and a live drawing workshop with renowned illustrator Emily Sutton, who also creates Bigham's distinctive packaging.

Visitors can have a 'behind-the-scenes' glimpse of some featured artisan producers, enjoy live-streamed music by blues band Harlem Rhythm Cats and enter an open-to-all food photography competition.

Charlie Bigham comments: "2020 has been a difficult year for small food and drink businesses, who also face additional challenges due to many food festivals being cancelled - their primary opportunity to generate sales. Our aim is to help this artisan community by bringing the Wells Food Festival to a virtual national audience, giving foodies across the country the chance to support and buy direct from the South West's finest makers."

Jon Abbott, festival director of Wells Food Festival, concludes: "Our top priority has always been to support artisan producers and put them at the heart of the festival. This year it seems more important than ever. Thanks to the support of Charlie Bigham's, we firmly believe 2020 will be remembered as the year Wells Food Festival went above and beyond to champion amazing food from across the region."

Food and drink producers interested in exhibiting should e-mail [email protected].