A new food festival could be a major ‘game changer’ for tourism in the town, and will be offering a music stage and children’s entertainment.

The Largs Food Fest, which will be staged on 23 and 24 May, has already attracted interest from businesses all over Scotland, and it is hoped that the festival can benefit from weekend Waverley cruises on the Clyde to mark her 40th anniversary in preservation.

Speaking at a recent business summit at the Brisbane House Hotel, Largs Town Centre manager John Hamilton said: “Events like Largs Live music weekend, and the new Largs Food Fest, could be a game-changer for bringing in more tourists to the town. It is hoped that there will be cooking demonstraitons, seminars, free foodtasting, and also a music stage, which will help promote the forthcoming Largs Live which takes place on Friday 26th, Saturady 27th, and Sunday 28th June.

“There will also be a new food trail which will get other shops, and businesses involved.” Mr Hamilton has advised other shops, even if they had no food background, to support the event. with foodtasting, like on Largs Yuletide Night, or even shop window designs.

For instance, Mr Hamilton said that Carousel Crafts wool shop in Largs Main Street had already prepared a knitted front window display for the event.

He said: “There is no reason why other shops cannot get involved as it all helps promote the town,” said Mr Hamilton, “it could be a hardware shop showing off pots and pans in the window, to food tastings in the premises. It is all about getting into the spirit of things, and by encouraging footfall, it provides a welcoming atmosphere to the town.” The Largs Food Fest, which will be staged on 23 and 24 May, and has already attracted interest from businesses all over Scotland.

Taking place from 11am-6pm each day, it is hoped that the food fayre will provide plenty of delicious delicacies, cookery demonstrations, and sizzling recipes to whet your appetite.

A marquee will be erected on the Largs esplanade prom and will include hourly cookery demonstrations, interactive seminars on food and drink and at least 40 undercover stalls; which includes exhibition space for Largs catering businesses.

The proposals were unveiled at a recent meeting of the Explore Largs business group, which is the brand name for the Largs BID (business improvement district) supported by all local businesses who pay a levy towards the improvement and promotion of the town.