Social media star Shabaz Ali will headline the Nelson Food and Drink Festival next month.

This year, the free event takes place on Saturday, September 14 and will feature more than 30 food and drink stalls including Mama Shar's Caribbean Cooking, Mrs Dowson's Ice Cream, Istanbul Grill and Proctor's Cheese.
 
Shabaz, known as "Shabaz Says", is a comedian, broadcaster and author who has built a large audience with his witty take downs of those who package and present their "perfect" lives online.
 
With 1.7million Instagram followers and 1.9million followers on TikTok, the social media influencer will  be the celebrity host for popular food and drink festival. He will also be doing book signings on the day.
 
Caribbean chef Mama Shar will headline the kitchen demonstration area with her delicious, authentic Caribbean food, and she will be joined by Fazila Foods, developers and creators of modern Halal foods.
 
The festival, which will take place in Nelson town centre, is being sponsored by Nelson Town Council and Financial Affairs.
 
Chair of Nelson Town Council's events committee, Cllr Ruby Anwar, said: "Food and drink brings people together in a way nothing else can. 

"That's why the Nelson Food and Drink Festival is a special annual event that everyone loves! We cannot wait to enjoy a fun day with everyone attending.
 
"We are thrilled to announce Shabaz Says as our host for the day, he is extremely popular both locally and around the world and he will be a big attraction for visitors attending the event.
 
"We have also got a fantastic range of food on offer and with our live cooking demonstrations, this is an event not to be missed."

Organisers are encouraging local businesses to book their food stalls now due to limited spaces.
 
To find out more visit Nelson Food Festival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonfoodfestival