AS summer comes to a close, I hope you will be getting ready for one of Malton’s biggest events of the year. This Saturday will be the third year of Malton Harvest Food Festival, and by golly it’s set to be a good one.

Formerly known as the Game and Seafood Fest, this one-day festival has been renamed and expanded to cover much more of the market place and broaden its audience.

So what’s in store? Malton Harvest Food Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce and cooking with an emphasis on late summer and autumn produce.

Expect a harvest of God’s own county and coastline. Game from the North York Moors, seafood from the coast, wild and foraged food, soft fruit, baking galore, vegetarian and vegan food and the best street food.

Many of your festival favourites from May will be out in force and being September this is the time of year to enjoy all of Yorkshire’s natural produce and bounty.

There will be talks, tastings, chef demos and, new for this year, a dedicated game and seafood area and a “Tavernier’s Yard” full to the brim of beer, cocktails, wine and other drinks.

On the festival fringe, Talbot Yard Food Court and the Talbot Hotel will be bursting with special offers and the official festival bar will stay open alongside the street food stalls until 8pm with live music to keep you entertained.

If you’re visiting Malton this Saturday then make sure you also take a look at the new foodie businesses that have opened recently.

La Pizzeria is something of a spectacle with its beautiful wood-fired oven and pizza smells wafting down Wheelgate.

Rare Bird distillery is looking incredible in Talbot Yard so be sure to check out that sexy blue bottle and their beautiful new copper gin still, named Florence.

Costello’s Salumeria, with their cured meats and farmhouse cheeses, will be doing a roaring trade on Navigation Wharf, and just in time for the Harvest Food Festival, YO Bakehouse will be opening its new expansion to its already popular café in Market Street.

Over in Talbot Yard, not yet open but coming in October is UK pastry Champion Florian Poirot’s new macaroon shop.

From next month Florian will be making his award-winning macaroons, chocolate bonbons and delectable desserts directly opposite Groovy Moo Gelato.

“Florian Poirot Master Patissier” is yet another award-winning, high-quality business putting Malton on the foodie map.

I suspect when you see his new display of sweet treats never has the French expression “lèche-vitrine” or “lick the windows” been more appropriate.

If you can’t wait for October, you will be able to find Florian and sample his delicious products from his stall in Market Place during the Harvest Food Festival.

So get to Malton this Saturday for a full day of family entertainment and enjoy the fab Harvest Food Festival.

The festival takes place from 9am to 5pm. The festival bar and street food outlets will be open until 8pm. Entry is free and it’s going to be amazing. Enjoy.