A food festival is returning to Cowes on the Isle of Wight for its second year.

The Great Wight Bite is set to return on September 7 and 8 at Northwood House. 

The festival will see a mix of live events, pop-up restaurants and masterclasses.

TV foodie and writer Chris Bavin will be returning to host the Chefs' Stage, with a line-up featuring broadcasters Valentine Warner and Helena Nicklin, and chefs Matt Egan (House), Jacob Gough (The Royal Hotel) and Mark Wyatt (The Seaview Hotel), among others.

The festival is supporting the Isle of Wight Foodbank, and chefs will be taking on the Mystery Foodbank Box challenge, aiming to raise awareness of food poverty on the Island.

Kids will have the option to cook too, at the Little Chefs' Den, where Zoe Ombler will lead budding chefs in creating a range of dishes, joined by festival celebrities.

Tickets cost £20 and include a kids' apron.

Chris Bavin at the Little Chef's Den in 2023Chris Bavin at the Little Chef's Den in 2023 (Image: Great Wight Bite)

Adults can participate in a sushi and sake masterclass led by GC of the Smoking Lobster, followed by Mermaid Gin and the Epicurean Sailor, who will be creating a range of canapes using their craft spirits.

Tickets for the Mermaid Masterclass are £15 with all proceeds going to the Isle of Wight Foodbank.

Wine masterclasses and live music will also take place over the weekend, headlined by an Elton John tribute act.

Ultimate Elton JohnUltimate Elton John (Image: Great Wight Bite)

Tickets are now on sale at www.greatwightbite.co.uk and cost £11.50 for adults and children £5. 

A Saturday evening adult ticket is available for £7.50, with concessions available.

Great Wight Bite event director, Richard Nowell said:

"We have a stellar lineup of food and drink celebrities and experts but the real stars are the Island chefs and producers that continue to put the Isle of Wight on the UK foodie map. 

“We are also delighted to be supporting the IW Foodbank.

"There will be donation points for anyone who can spare a tin, jar or packet to help those affected by food poverty and the cost of living crisis."