Thousands of foodies are set to descend on Cockermouth today as its annual food festival gets under way.

Taste Cumbria, which runs until Sunday, will open tonight at the town’s Jennings Brewery with the opening night of its beer festival.

Run in association with Workington’s Tractor Shed Brewing, the beer festival will also be open tomorrow and Sunday.

The team from Tractor Shed Brewing is bringing more than 40 beers from across the county.

Graeme Mitchell, of Tractor Shed, said: “There isn’t just real ale, there’s prosecco, wine, cider and soft drinks, alongside some great music.

“We want to expand on people’s perceptions of what a beer festival can be.”

The town’s Trout Hotel, which reopened recently after it was devasted in December’s floods, is also hosting events during the weekend, including a comedy night today, a live music night tomorrow and on Sunday the Lakes Distillery, which is based in Setmurthy, will take over to offer whisky, gin and vodka tutored tasting sessions.

There will be more than 80 stalls on Main Street, offering the most dedicated food lover everything from chorizo to chocolate from producers across Cumbria.

Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who runs L’Enclume in Cartmel, will also be returning to the festival with his popular pop-up restaurant.

And for people who want to get hands on, there are a range of masterclasses and demonstrations being held across the weekend.

Brigham chef Peter Sidwell, who is a judge on ITV daytime show Britain’s Best Bakery , heads the line-up of masterclasses, which also includes wine tasting with Nick Shill, of Shill’s of Cockermouth, and a free children’s pizza-making masterclass with Andy Walsh, of the town’s Coffee Kitchen.

Free demonstrations are in the marquee on Main Street from chefs including Andy Beaton, of the Lakes Distillery, Chris Archer, of Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter, Scott Fairweather, Cumbria’s young chef of the year, and Jon Fell, of the White Mare Hotel, in Beckermet.

Jon said: “Let’s shout loud and proud that Cumbria is open for business. What better way to showcase the fantastic produce the county has on offer?”