First up, the 2019 edition of the Paisley
Food and Drink Festival takes place on the grounds of Paisley Abbey on Friday
26th and Saturday 27th April.
Now in its fifth year, the festival has grown and grown. Last year, it ran across two days for the first time and attracted a reported 15,000 visitors.
At the time of writing, the line-up of street vendors is under wraps but more than 30 traders and vendors are expected to be in attendance. Of course, there will be live music; Gin71 will return with their tasting sessions and the festival will have a dedicated vegan zone.
Family day
This year, the two days of the festival each have a different focus.
Paisley Beer Festival isn't taking place this year as the town hall is currently closed for as refurb. However, the CAMRA team will be running a beer tent at Paisley Food and Drink Festival.
There will also be a real ale trail around the town's pubs . If ale ain't your tipple, look out for the Friday night rum and reggae session.
Saturday is more of a family day with live music and workshops for people of all ages. Main pic above is from gallery of 2018 festival.
Saturday at Paisley Food and Drink Festival will have a family focus. Pic: festival website.
A month later, Mhor Festival will get under way at Balquhidder in Perthshire.
For the last few years, the irrepressible chef Tom Lewis and his team have been running this boutique festival on the banks of Loch Voile and Doine.
Of course, there is live music and DJs along with outdoorsy fun such as a raft race plus dance classes, theatre, circus skills and even a hula hoop workshop.
The main attraction, at least for the purposes of this blog, are the food and drink strands.
As well as a cake competition and bake off, there will be cocktail and mocktail classes, food demos, foraging and a Champagne and oyster bar. And let's not forget the infamous omelette challenge.
Range of accommodation
In previous years, one of the highlights has always been a gala dinner/feast cooked by Tom Lewis and prominent Scottish chefs.
At the time of writing, full details of the feature meal have yet to be released but we're confidently predicting that attendees will still be talking about it when the next Mhor Festival rolls around.
Day tickets to the festival are available or you can check out the accommodation options which range from camping to staying in the luxurious Monachyle Mhor hotel.
Mhor Festival takes place Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May.