And the 2008 event promises to be even more spectacular than the previous gastronomic delights.

The Lions are cooking up several new treats for the Alnwick Food Festival, which has become an established event in the national foody calendar, attracting visitors from all over the country.

It will be held on the weekend of September 20 and 21, with the usual ingredients of cookery demonstrations from top chefs, stalls selling local produce, madcap street entertainment, a celebrity Ready, Steady Cook-style duel, talks and competitions mixed in with a new menu of attractions.

Organisers are planning a children's food festival to run alongside the main event, a Polish section and hope to expand upon the Alnwick Beer Festival, run by the Round Table at the same time.

Already some of the region's top chefs have agreed to come to Alnwick.

Don Watson, food festival chairman, said: "It is already coming together for next year. Most stallholders were delighted with trade at this year's festival and want to return in 2008.

"We have held three festivals now and really want to push on and make the fourth one extra special.

"We have noticed the standard of food in restaurants and pubs has improved since we have highlighted the quality of local food producers in this area.

"The message seems to be sinking in and there has been a surge of interest in food produced in Northumberland.

"We are keen to involve youngsters in our plans and so have started to formulate plans for the Alnwick Children's Food Festival.

"Our aim is to get as many food outlets in the district involved as possible."

Following the success of the Renaissance Pie, based on the former Rennison's pie, an Alnwick 'delicacy' which bit the dust when the Rennison's bakery closed its doors, the Lions are looking to revive another old recipe and are appealing for ideas. Ring Helen Woods at the Gazette on 01665 602234 if you have any.

Polish residents in north Northumberland who would like to help with the Polish section of the festival should contact Helen at the Gazette or the Lions through their bookshop in Bondgate Within, Alnwick.

The Bubble Foundation, based at Newcastle General Hospital, which treats children with no immune system, was this year's chosen charity and will receve a cheque for £6,000 raised in a raffle, collections and other events organised during the food festival.