The town of Diss is adding another major attraction to its events calendar with a week long summer festival celebrating local foods. Taste of Diss will run from July 12-19 in and around the town - the purpose being to create an enjoyable, high profile event for residents and visitors while promoting local food and supporting the businesses that provide it.

The town of Diss is adding another major attraction to its events calendar with a week long summer festival celebrating local foods.

Taste of Diss will run from July 12-19 in and around the town - the purpose being to create an enjoyable, high profile event for residents and visitors while promoting local food and supporting the businesses that provide it.

Organisers Diss Business Forum and Slow Food Waveney Valley, aim to involve many parts of the community, with children's and family activities, and events fun by schools and local organisations.

The festival will be launched at the Diss Farmers Market on Saturday, July 12 with a ceremony street theatre, ceremony, and fancy dress for children. Any child who comes dressed as a fruit or a vegetable will get a prize.

A family picnic on Fair Green on the Sunday, will be followed by a range of events with several restaurants organising special meals featuring local produce. There will be open days at some of the local breweries and vineyards and other producers.

The big finale is on Saturday July 19 with a local food exhibition in the Diss Corn Hall, featuring a cookery competition for professionals, amateurs and children. The winners of the amateur class will get a day in London, working with a world-famous chef at the Lanesborough Hotel, and their dish will be on the menu for the day.

At the same time there will be a 'live and gigging' musical event in the park with food stalls, aimed at young people.

For more information, or to get involved in the festival, contact Madeline Lees on 01379-642470 or Suzanne on 01379-641388, or visit the new community website www.dissconnected.net