The countdown is on! The 2020 virtual Wells Food Festival with Charlie Bigham's is going live over the weekend of 10 and 11 October.

Just like the traditional festival, the Artisan Market is the star, showcasing over 150 regional food and drink producers, separated into 'easy-to-shop' online sections. Customers nationwide will have an opportunity to discover the region's finest produce and to buy direct from the makers.

There are plenty of local businesses participating in the virtual festival. Simon Collins from Cup of Tea didn't hesitate to get involved. "It's an ideal place to let people know about our huge range of loose tea," he explains before adding, "after all, nothing beats a great cup of tea, especially during these strange and difficult times!"

Other Radstock stalls include the new family farm shop, Freckles and Boo, and specialist dog bakery, Four Legged Fancies, whose owner Victoria Stent says: "Covid has forced us to turn our attention to more of an online audience".

But it's not just an online shop. At-home festivalgoers are in for a treat. The weekend is packed with a diverse programme of live and pre-recorded masterclasses and workshops in the Tents Talk area.

Azzedine Zarzi from Reckless Desserts in Radstock will not only be selling his handcrafted ultra-indulgent desserts in the Artistan Market, but is also giving a demonstration on making choux pastry on Saturday afternoon. There is also a cheese and cider pairing with Pilton Cider; a flower arranging masterclass from Georgie Newbery of Common Farm; beekeeping from the team at Black Bee Honey; food styling and photography from Neil White and making cheese with Felthams Farm.

An exciting event is planned for Saturday evening. The Bigham's Banquet will be hosted by Masterchef judge and Telegraph columnist William Sitwell alongside Charlie Bigham and his Head Chef Rupert Willday.

Starting at 6pm, the Banquet provides the chance to cook alongside top chefs Mark Hix, Thomasina Miers, Henry Harris and Merlin Labron-Johnson as they each create their favourite autumn dishes live on Zoom.

Tickets for the Banquet cost £20, with all proceeds going to 'Chefs in Schools', the charity working to bring a passion for food into schools across the country. The tickets are limited to 1,000 so visit the festival website to secure a place at http://www.wellsfoodfestival.bighams.com