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September 13, 2019

The Great British Food Festival returns to Floors Castle this weekend.

It is the second time that the event has been held in the Borders castle.

Open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, the event combines lots of great grub, live entertainment and one of Scotland's finest stately homes. Pic is from festival Facebook.

As well as the Bake Stage, visitors can sign up for foraging walks; take part in a cake off; explore the artisan market and browse for crafts and gifts.

The chef demos are always hugely popular and at Floors Castle the line-up is packed with cheffing talent from local restaurants such as Ednam House Hotel, Buccleuch Arms and Provender Melrose.

Naturally, there will be plenty to do for the nippers. Circus workshops, an activity zone, face-painting and a bouncy castle are all promised. Children can also start honing their kitchen skills at an early age by signing up in advance for a kids' cookery session.

Men Vs Food

As always, the Men Vs Food challenges are likely to prove popular spectator sports.

In addition to a chilli-eating competition, there is a sausage and cider scoffing competition. According to the festival website, the reigning champion is still James Shute.

In 2016, he swallowed 74.5 inches of sausage followed by a pint of cider in six minutes and six seconds and, perhaps not surprisingly, no-one has managed to take his crown since.

As well as being Scotland's largest inhabited castle, Floors is also rather gorgeous. Food festival visitors are welcome to explore the gardens and grounds.

The castle itself will be open to visitors throughout the event with an additional charge of £5 per adult and £3.50 for children. Tickets will be available in the Castle Entrance Hall.

Buy tickets for the Great British Food Festival on the door, or discounted in advance via this website.