The Foodies office confirmed this morning that leading Spanish Tapas Restaurant, La Tasca, who have over 70 restaurants nationwide, fine organic producer of food and spirits, Godminster Vintage, locally produced fine Rapeseed Oil, Oleifera and the Scottish independent Macleod Distillery will be among hundreds of the specially selected exhibitors who will be selling and demonstrating their wares, giving festival-goers the opportunity to learn more about the excellent food Scotland has to offer.

Moving the market outdoors allows more space for more stalls, and a larger arena for hot food preparation and café-style seating areas. Roy Brett, head Chef at Dakota in South Queensferry will also be launching a ‘Seafood Shack’ where wide ranges of fresh seafood will be available and prepared in front of you.

This year sees a larger venue for the event due to its popularity, allowing for the introduction of food masterclasses to the programme.  The choice of the 5-star Sheraton Grand Hotel and adjoining Festival Square will allow even more visitors to celebrate the best of Scottish food and drink over the August Bank Holiday weekend.   As well as the market and masterclasses, many other food-related activities are planned including demonstrations from top Scottish chefs in a purpose-built chefs’ theatre.  The hour-long demonstrations will focus on Scottish ingredients and aim to inspire visitors to recreate the dishes themselves; many of the ingredients used can be sourced at the outdoor market. Michelin-starred chefs Martin Wishart, Tom Kitchin and Liam Ginniane of Champany Inn are booked as well as award-winning Paul Tamburrini of Hotel du Vin in Glasgow and Roy Brett, Head Chef at Dakota, which recently won Scottish Restaurant of the Year and Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2008.

Following the high attendance at last year’s drink masterclasses the organisers have included food masterclasses in this year’s programme.  Classes will be held in areas ranging from chocolate to special cheeses.

Research carried out through Edinburgh Festivals magazine by Sue Hitchen, director of Edinburgh-based The Media Company, identified a strong desire from festival fans for a food-focused event.  Foodies at the Festival was created to meet that demand.

Sue commented: “Foodies was very well attended last year and this year we’re moving to a larger venue in order to provide more visitors with more fantastic Scottish food and drink experiences.  I’m very proud to live in a country with such a rich larder and want to do my part in sharing it with the rest of the world.”

The Edinburgh Festival is the world’s largest arts event, incorporating the international, fringe, book and jazz festivals which take place in Edinburgh during August.  Last year the festivals attracted over 2 million visitors.

More information can be found at www.foodiesfestival.com  or by calling 0131 226 7766