THE Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival is in full swing after it launched yesterday.

Events take place in locations across the city all week with special themed meals in restaurants, live cookery demonstrations and scores of stalls selling produce and offering tastings to customers.

Nick Mosley, festival managing director, said: “It’s always a pleasure to celebrate the launch of the festival with so many friends and colleagues from the food and hospitality sectors.

“There’s a huge buzz about the week ahead and we’re all looking forward to a massive weekend of food and drink on Hove Lawns.

“Our city is a world-class food destination.”

The bi-annual festival is this year focussing on a game theme.

The celebration takes place every April and September, attracting around 160,000 visitors and 350 food, drink and hospitality businesses each time.

The not-for-profit community interest organisation also raises money for local charities.

This year it will support Rockinghorse, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and Trevor Mann Baby Unit.

Visiwww.rocking-horse.org.uk or www.faresharebrightonandhove.org.uk.

More details on the festival and listings at http://brightonfood festival.com/ or call 01273 770044.