GARLIC lovers will once again unite — popular summer show the Garlic Festival is back!

Held today (Saturday, August 20) and tomorrow (Sunday, August 21) the festival will celebrate the pungent ingredient and much more.

"Everyone loves the Garlic Festival, because everyone loves food, music, and entertainment, so what could be better than putting it all together for a summer weekend full of fun," said festival organisers Laura Stocker and Madeleine Holmes.

The festival is one of Britain’s top food shows and this year welcomes back the Island’s own award-winning chef, Robert Thompson to the Theatre Kitchen.

Robert is passionate about local flavours and growers, so don’t miss him on the Sunday.

Isle of Wight County Press: Chef Robert Thompson.Chef Robert Thompson.

He’s joined by a fantastic line up of local businesses who will be showcasing what they have on offer.

Bands on the big music stage include The Liverpool Echoes, Baggywrinkles, Foo Fighterz, Jersey Guys, The 5 Fifty Fives, and X Directory.

There’s a new young local band too, The Missing Heads.

Grab a pint, sit on a straw bale and enjoy the atmosphere!

Adults and kids of all ages will be entertained by festival favourites, The Flying Seagull Project, and there's three arenas showcasing a whole host of entertainment.

See Europe’s best BMX bike stunt display team and The Vanders Superhero Wheel of Death.

There's falconry displays, animals, talented pets, and a new dog show. Taking place on Saturday in the main arena, dog show categories include Best Little Stinker, Most Handsome Hound, Loveliest Lady and Best Veteran.

The Garlic Festival Dog Show is sponsored by Preziosa Dachshunds and Bakery who will have plenty of prizes and rosettes to hand out.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Titan the Robot is back and will appear on Sunday.

There's also Garlic Games, where everyone can take part, and Camp Garlic, which offers free arts and crafts, games, singalongs, storytelling, dancing and magic.

There will be marquees full of Island arts and crafts, plus tasty produce and treats galore.

The Wave Project Isle of Wight are back cooking up the (garlic) sweetcorn roast, with all money going directly to the Island project.

If you’re looking for a heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, the Garlic Festival has the lot.

Tickets on sale now at www.garlicfestival.co.uk or on the gate on the weekend.

Find the Garlic Festival on the main Newport to Sandown Road (A3056).