ORGANISERS of a Forest food festival have promised more room to sample the local produce on offer.

A spokeswoman for the Forest Showcase said: "Following feedback from visitors and local producers we are going to increase the width of the food hall by 20 per cent and have more outside stands and marquees at the event.

"This should help ease the crowds trying to taste and purchase from our fabulous local producers."

Final touches are being put in place for this year's showcase at the Speech House near Coleford on Sunday, October 5.

Among the attractions will be the finals of the competition to find the best squirrel burger as well as turnip tossing and animals including chickens and goats.

Festival co-ordinator Rachel Thomas said: "We have been told that grey squirrel tastes like the dark meat on a chicken and that a pair of mature squirrels provide about the same amount of meat as a medium-sized chicken."

The festival, which is in its 14th year, will feature more than 70 local food and drink stalls ranging from handmade scotch eggs, artisan breads,  locally-brewed beers, award-winning preserves, farmhouse ciders, cheeses,  homemade cakes and pastries.

There is also a cookery theatre sponsored by Gloucestershire College and Target Catering which will feature demonstrations from top local chefs including Martin Adams, the head chef at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel and Restaurant in Clearwell and a former MasterChef Professionals quarter-finalist.

The event will feature more children's activities than ever before with 'Humble by Nature', Kate Humble's farm in the Wye Valley providing lots of harvest fun with opportunities for youngsters to make themselves a harvest crown.

Live music will include the Chepstow Community Big Band, a rock choir and a jazz band.