Independent and local cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops in one South Norfolk town will be celebrated during a week-long festival.

Kicking off on Monday, the Diss Food and Drink Festival will see a variety of demonstrations, taster sessions and traditional markets.

Now in its third year it is hoped the festival will bring a 'buzz' to the town.

A highlight of the event will be the Beer, Gin and Rum Festival held at the Corn Hall between Friday, October 13 and Sunday, October 15, when the festival concludes.

The entertainment venue will have the Big Grain Bar in the main hall and will serve cask beers, pale ales and bitters.

If spirits are more your thing, gin and rum will be available at the New bar.

There will also be live music, games, quizzes and food from Frederick's Cafe.

David Case, a member of the disscover:Diss team who have helped to put on the event, said: 'There are so many good independent shops.

'A lot of people come to Diss and think there is a supermarket or Victoria Road and they do not go up in the heart of the town. Hopefully it will bring people into the town and get a buzz about.'

A number of demonstrations will also be taking place including the magic of making cider and a talk about how Ferndale cheeses, based in Little Barningham, near Alysham, make their cheese.

On the Saturday the Gluten Free Food Store, found in Cobbs Yard, will hold a workshop about all things gluten free.

At the session, between 2pm and 3pm, there will be a selection of tasters, in addition to information about being gluten free and a question and answer session.

Chloe Howard, whose family owns the shop, said: 'It will be an introduction to gluten free. I think a lot of people don't realise the benefits of being on a gluten free diet.

'We will also be offering tasters of our favourite gluten free products.'

The usual traditional market will be held in the market place between 9.30am and 3pm on the Friday in addition to the farmers' market on the Saturday between 9.30am and 2pm.

More information about the events taking place, when and where they are happening is available in the festival brochure.

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