IF YOUR taste buds have earned a treat, the York Festival of Food and Drink is the place to be.

Taking place from September 14 to 23, the fifth annual festival of all that's best in the culinary quarter is sure to have something to please everyone.

This year's event, of which the Evening Press is a sponsor, will include delights ranging from a First Class Food Day to an Organic and Vegetarian Day, with world food, British food and wedding grub all on the agenda, too.

A variety of markets will hit the city centre streets, with all the usual fresh fancies of the Newgate market being joined by a farmers' market on September 17 and 18, an organic market on September 19, a world foods market on September 20, and a Yorkshire pantry market from September 21 to 23.

The Festival Sampling Boulevard will be in Parliament Street throughout the festival, offering a selection of gourmet delights, with major brands coming along to add to the festivities.

Some big cheeses will be floating about the festival, too, including BBC Radio Two chef Beryl Tate, Christine Talbot, of Yorkshire TV's Calendar, and writer Sophie Grigson.

Top chefs John Benson-Smith, of the Hazlewood Castle Hotel, near Tadcaster, and Jonathan File, of the Crewe Hall Hotel, in Cheshire, will also be demonstrating some of their favourite recipes.

Many of the demonstrations and shows will take place at the Festival Food Theatre in St Sampson's Square.

A spokesman for the festival said: "Come and see local and celebrity chefs demonstrate their skills in the theatre, wander through the sampling boulevard, and enjoy the range and diversity of the festival markets throughout this ten-day food lovers' paradise of feasting and fun, which offers something for all the family."

Tickets for individual events are on sale now, and can be purchased from North Nights, telephone 0800 5872 872. You can also check out the website at www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com

Tickets that have not been sold before the event will be available on the door.

You can get a full brochure of the events and dates from York Tourism Bureau on 01904 554453.

Updated: 10:04 Saturday, September 01, 2001