EXOTIC aromas are filling the air as the first Worcester Foodie Festival is in full swing.

Stalls selling a range of cakes, spices, hot-dogs and burgers and cheeses as well as beers and wines and coffees are lining the city centre, bringing people to Worcester from all over.

Around 40 businesses from Worcester, and surrounding areas, are showcasing their array of products at the festival, which is also hosting a range of cooking demonstrations from celebrity guests, including television's Rosemary Shrager and Rachel Green.

Nadja vonDahlen, of Worcester Bid who organised the festival, said: "This morning's rain was a bit disappointing, but stall holders are in good spirits and the festival is now in full swing.

"As well as stall holders, other local businesses are getting involved too- such as Cardinal's Hat and Coffee Dough, in Crowngate, which is great as this puts them more in the public eye. It also showcases what businesses are here, and what there is to do after the festival is finished.

"People seem to be enjoying it and visiting all the stalls which is nice to see. It's really getting people to see what Worcester has to offer.

"It's good for the city's economy too, as it is bringing people from out of Worcester here. I have spoken to several hotels who have informed me guest numbers have increased because of the festival."

As well as food stalls, there is face-painting, food and drink tasting, cooking workshops and a number of competitions being held by several establishments in the city centre.

The festival is scheduled to run until around 4.30pm today, but will return tomorrow at 10.30am until around 4.30pm again.