WITH three months to go – Huddersfield’s food and drink festival is already set to be bigger than last year.

Organisers are thrilled that 58 businesses have already booked their place at the annual event centred on St George’s Square.

Festival manager Cathy Burger said: “We’re delighted to see so many getting involved in the festival for the first time, as well as those who return year on year.

“The festival brings thousands of people in to town and we try to make sure as many local businesses as possible benefit, whether it is by having a stall, running a fringe event or doing a cookery demonstration.”

Newcomers include Huddersfield restaurant Memsahib, Merrie England, Honley-based Mustard and Punch, and Grumpy Mule, Holmfirth. Hinchliffe Farm Shop withdrew from the event last year after a fire at their premises but they are set to make a return.

An ale trail will run for the three weeks leading up to the festival and will encourage people to explore Huddersfield’s many pubs.

The main food event, the Taste Trail is taking place on August 6.

Customers will then vote for one business to be crowned Taste Trail Restaurant of the Year.

New entry Grumpy Mule announced their involvement within the event.

They said: “This is the first time we’ve attended, so the whole team is excited to be involved as this is very local to us.”