TASTEBUDS in Huddersfield are tingling in antici- pation of the town's fifth food and drink festival.

The four-day festival is set to take over St George's Square from August 18 to 21.

And the eating extravaganza will be bigger and better than last year.

On offer will be Yorkshire treats, such as preserves, cheeses, fruit, wine, punch, ale, meat and vegetables.

There will even be a ``guess the weight of the pie" contest.

The festival will be a multi- cultural experience featuring food from all over the world prepared by chefs in Huddersfield.

The line-up includes The Rumboat Caribbean Restaurant, the Chino Thai, Asian food by Ali Murad and Chinese food served up by the Chinese Community Centre.

The Huddersfield-based Cultures United organisation will also be there. Last year, members brought treats from the Philippines, Poland, Lebanon, the Congo and Ethiopia.

Special French fare will be brought from Besancon, to celebrate the 50th year of the town being twinned with Huddersfield.

Traders will be coaxing people to try French wines, cheeses, sausages, beers, chocolate and bread.

Cookery demonstrations will be back, featuring special guests and local chefs.

New this year will be a children's kitchen academy, so youngsters can get some hands-on experience.

Also new this year will be a variety of street entertainment.

On August 18 and 19, Billy Bubbles will be modelling balloons. He will be accompanied by The Bandidos, playing traditional Mexican tunes.

On August 20 and 21, Bo The Clown will entertain the children. He will be joined by French street musician Pierre, dressed as an onion-seller.

The Pulse radio station's breakfast show will be broadcast from the festival on August 19.

Entertainment will continue into the evening, with real ale and cider-tasting events on August 19 and 20.

The drinks will be accompanied by food from Ali Murad and music by Geri and The Atrics.

Tickets for evening events, which run from 7pm to 11pm, must be booked. For details, phone 01484 226586.