More than 180 of the region’s top producers will descend on Ludlow for its annual food festival, to be held from Friday 8 to Sunday September. Set within the ruined castle, around the market square and the wider town there are also two demo stages, master classes, tutored tastings, plus the famous sausage and ale trails taking visitors on a journey of discovery around the town. Producers offer everything from local cheeses and charcuterie to the most delicious cakes and liqueurs. Highlights include Ashley Palmer-Watts of the Fat Duck joining chef Marcus Bean, host of the BBC Super Theatre at BBC Good Food Live, on stage on Friday 8 September.

Festivals organiser takes the lead
Beth Heath, owner of the award-winning events company Shropshire Festivals, has been appointed chairwoman of the Shropshire Business Board, taking over from Paul Bennett. Beth