FOOD fanatics will be licking their lips and sharpening their forks when a new food festival is launched by two Chard hotel owners.

The event, entitled StrEatTaunton, will take place on the first Friday and third Wednesday of every month from April until October.

It is a street food festival, and will provide a wide variety of sumptuous treats to tingle tastebuds.

The taste-tastic festival has been organised by Tom Owen and Elliott Richards of the Lordleaze Hotel in Chard.

Mr Owen said the duo got their inspiration after visiting a similar festival in Birmingham.

He said: “We went to a street food fair in Birmingham and realised that there isn’t anything like this in Taunton.

“Street food originated in Asia, it is fun and in-expensive, and is now fast growing in the UK.

“We are going to have a diverse range of food, with local produce.

“There will be 10 traders per fair, a few regulars and a few different every time. You’ll get consistency with reliability.”

The first event kicks off on April 7 at midday running until 8pm at the Castle Green.

Mr Richards said they were both excited to get the festival underway next month.

He said: “We want to give everyone the chance to experience this unique dining opportunity.

“A new option for lunch and a break from the office, a change from shopping in the afternoon, and for those who want to come and have an alternative evening out.

“We really think these events will be great for Taunton and we cannot wait for the first one.”

Hungry visitors will be able to sit and enjoy their food on the green, with plans also being formulated to add some entertainment as the event grows throughout the summer.

The food will range from burgers, to pizza, to Thai ice cream, with the organisers going local where they can.

Mr Owen added: “Taunton Cider will be with us for every event following their re-launching after many years.

“We like to support the local community, freshness is key, and having a low carbon footprint.

“We are very lucky to be living in Somerset.”

Visit streattaunton.co.uk for more information.