THE countdown to this year's Abergavenny Food Festival has begun.

This year's event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, will see world famous Arctic Circle chef, Magnus Nilsson among the culinary talent to appear.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to watch master classes, demonstrations, attend food talks and sample food and drink from more than 200 exhibitors in five venues in and around the town from the Market Hall to the Brewery Yard and the castle.

Highlights this year include top chef Bryn Williams, Scandinavian Signe Johansen and British chef Rick Stein.

Magnus Nilsson is currently the chef of the renowned restaurant Faviken, in the north of Sweden.

The restaurant, which has only 12 seats, is near the Arctic Circle, and features locally-sourced ingredients.

Mr Nilsson will be talking about the restaurant to television chef Valentine Warner in the Borough Theatre at 2pm on Saturday.

Among the other highlights are the Party at the Castle from 7.30pm on Saturday, Incredible Edibles Live with Stefan Gates at the Borough Theatre on Saturday at 11am and The Food Academy in the grounds of the castle.

The town's Market Hall will also be decorated with giant vegetables and garden tools throughout the event thanks to 40 volunteers who have been working with community organisation 'Arts Alive'.

Weekend stroller tickets giving access to five venues cost £14 for adults and children under16 go free if with an adult.

For each day, stroller tickets cost £9 for adults on Saturday and £7 on Sunday.

For the full programme visit www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com