The timer's set for the Isle of Wight's new food and drink festival, the Great Wight Bite, which launches in Cowes next month, supporting Mountbatten.

September 9 and 10, at Northwood House, promises chefs, food producers, a kitchen for children, special guests and more.

Celebrity chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, will be among those to appear.

The award-winning writer and broadcaster is known for his commitment to seasonal, ethically-produced food and he has run River Cottage, from bases in Dorset and Devon, since 2004.

Isle of Wight County Press: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. (Image: Great Wight Bite.)

Isle of Wight County Press: Chris Bavin.Chris Bavin. (Image: Great Wight Bite.)

Also visiting will be BBC's The One Show reporter, broadcaster Chris Bavin, who is a familiar face from food and consumer TV.

He champions the 'zero packaging, no plastic' approach has has also made guest appearances at the Chelsea Flower Show.

A host of Isle of Wight organisations and food producers are involved - among them The Cheverton Farm Butchers (formerly the Isle of Wight Meat Co), which is based in Shorwell and at Godshill's Cheverton Farm Shop.

Mermaid Gin is also on the bill, as well as Hampshire-based eco-friendly winery, Hattingley Valley.

Isle of Wight County Press: White Knuckle Brewery's Fergus and Edward Bristow.White Knuckle Brewery's Fergus and Edward Bristow. (Image: Great Wight Bite.)

The Great Wight Bite on the Isle of Wight need to know

The Great Wight Bite runs from September 9-10 at Northwood House in Cowes

Tickets cost from £5 and you can CLICK HERE to buy one 

Isle of Wight County Press: Fran and Holly from Nunwell Home Farm.Fran and Holly from Nunwell Home Farm. (Image: Great Wight Bite.)

Also at the Great Wight Bite will be The Island Chef, Paul Bellchambers, who started his catering business in 2009.

He founded his own food festival in 2011, before moving to the Isle of Wight in 2020, developing the Isle of Wight Cookery School.

He also has a podcast about the hospitality sector on the Island, FoodandMusicIOW.

From Ryde's The Heron restuarant, Alex Kimber, and Newport-based Michelin-starred chef, Robert Thompson, will also be there.  

On Saturday, September 9, music comes courtesy of tribute act UK Queen, starring Alexander Koronka as Freddie Mercury.

Families will be able to enjoy the Little Chefs Den, aimed at 7-15 year olds, including a chance to learn how to make sushi and fudge.

Isle of Wight County Press: From left, Robert Thompson, Ben and Holly from The Little Gloster, Alex Kimber. From left, Robert Thompson, Ben and Holly from The Little Gloster, Alex Kimber. (Image: Great Wight Bite.)

Explore ingredients and embrace the art of cooking, curated by the Isle of Wight's The Little Gloster Cookery School team.

From the Smoking Lobster Oyster Bar to Calbourne Classics ice cream and from The Wight Smoke to Wight Knuckle Brewery, there will be a host of food and drinks to try.

While Hugh, Chris and the Island chefs will be among those on the cooking demonstration stage, visitors will also be able to sign up to masterclasses.