CAFES, restaurants and pubs are taking part in a week-long treat for foodies this August as part of Malmesbury Carnival.

It is hoped that the Malmesbury Food Festival will become an annual fixture after a number of local businesses, along with the Waitrose supermarket, were keen to participate in the inaugural event.

Special food festival nights will be held at eateries around the town during the week from Monday, August 24 while a Petticoat Lane market, featuring numerous food and other stalls, will be set up over the August Bank Holiday.

On Friday, August 28 a special food festival event will take place at the town hall featuring demonstrations by Rob Rees, known as The Cotswold Chef, along with tastings and other food and drink related activities.

The Malmesbury Food Festival is a joint venture by the town council, the carnival committee and Waitrose.

Town councillor and carnival committee member Steve Cox, who came up with the idea, said: "I believe it’s the first event of its kind in Malmesbury.

“We are always looking at ways of adding to the Malmesbury Carnival. A food festival seemed a good addition.

“Quite a few businesses are taking part. If it’s a success we will hope to make the food festival an annual event as part of the carnival activities.”

The special food nights being held by local businesses include a food quiz at Amanda’s on August 26, and an exotic steak night at The Kings Arms on August 29 featuring unusual meats such as camel, kangaroo and buffalo.

Comprising scores of events, Malmesbury Carnival itself lasts from July 30 to September 5.