Bolsover food and drink festival

World renowned drink guru Roger Protz, the editor of the Good Beer Guide and author of 20 books, will headline the festival on July 26 and 27, providing tasting notes on the region’s best ales.

Guests will be among the first to taste a new ‘Bolsover beer,’ soon to be launched by local brewery Raw.

Roger said: “There are at least 30 brilliant breweries within a short distance from Bolsover, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be meeting some of them and can’t wait to taste the local brews .”

Jaquest Fine Foods, which has 44 Great Taste Awards to its name, is another confirmed exhibitor.

The skills of John Jaquest, who started the business 25 years ago, have become so sought-after, that Jamie Oliver recruited his skills to build a DIY smoker on a recent show.

Entry to Bolsover Food and Drink Festival is free.

With its own smokehouse using methods refined over 25 years, Jaquest produces a range of mouth watering delicatessen products, including ‘Bolsover Smokies’ – beech and oak smoked haddock.

Visitors will get to taste Jaquest’s wares, including its famous chilli and garlic salami – The Beast. Named after notorious Bolsover MP Dennis Skinner, The Beast was praised by both David Cameron and George Osbourne when they sampled it a London food event.

The event will also showcase many award winning food producers, and feature children’s activities, tours, music, food workshops and demonstrations.

The festival is timed to coincide with Bolsover Castle’s “Muskets and Masques: Charles I at Bolsover” event, when the town will be buzzing with historical activities. The event celebrates a masque written by the famous playwright Ben Jonson for the royal visit of King Charles I in 1634. Bolsover Castle is run by English Heritage.

Entry to Bolsover Food and Drink Festival is free. More details to be announced.