Renfrewshire Council

Free cooking workshops will take place at the Festival on Saturday 27 April in Paisley's Abbey Close where youngsters can learn how to make their own pizza with Glasgow's Tennent's Training Academy or create delicious chocolate treats with Ayrshire's Limetree Larder.

Families can grab a seat in the stunning surroundings of Abbey Gardens to enjoy top music and entertainment all day on the Main Stage.

Pulse FM will host the free fun from 12 noon until 9pm, including kids' favourites Sprog Rock, who'll be performing two interactive rocking gigs specially created for young children.

Sprog Rock have toured across Scotland, creating innovative music and shows for children and adults to get involved and enjoy together. 

Katy Wilson, lead singer of Sprog Rock, said: "We love Paisley and we can't wait to come back and play here again - it's going to be wild.

"We're also so excited to have the fantastic Bigg Taj beatboxing with us at Paisley Food and Drink Festival too, so come along and join the fun!"

Also taking to the Main Stage are the fabulous Princesses of Pop, who will pay tribute to the music of Ariana Grande, Little Mix and Steps.

There will be a host of live performances from local bands throughout the day, programmed by Paisley's famous gig venue, The Bungalow.

Families will be able to dance the day away with top acts, including singing duo Mandulu & Hephzibah and classic rock covers from Audiorayz, before ska sensations Esperanza take the party well into the evening.

Mia Farrell, booking manager at The Bungalow, said: "We are delighted to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this year's Paisley Food and Drink Festival and we hope everyone will enjoy the acts programmed for the Main Stage.

"We have made it a family, feel-good show with a little something extra for the adults later in the evening. We hope everyone has a wonderful time at the Festival and wish all the performers involved the absolute best of luck on the day."

Children's entertainer Captain James Tea Cook, vegan pirate of the Carob Bean, will also be at the event to entertain youngsters and adults alike with his unique bundle of food, science, craft and games workshops.

There are even more fun activities to enjoy at the Paisley Food and Drink Festival such as gardening workshops with Renfrewshire Growing Grounds Forum - suitable for all ages with help from a grown-up - face painting in Abbey Close and the PLATFORM on Tour tee-pee tents.

A Sensory Safe Space will also be available in the Lesser Hall of Paisley Methodist Central Hall from 12 noon to 5:15pm. This will be a quiet space specially created for individuals with additional support needs and their carers and will feature arts and crafts, musical instruments and lighting, gentle music and soft seating. Space is limited in this room, so please book a place in advance.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival is one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals and takes place over two days on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April.

This year's line-up will see more than 40 vendors from across Scotland, delicious street food with traders from PLATFORM on Tour - the independent street food market who reside in Glasgow's Argyle Street Arches, expert tasting sessions with the award-winning Gin 71, the Renfrewshire CAMRA Beer Tent and more in the stunning surroundings of Paisley's historic Abbey.

Smaller portion sizes will be available for children and there's something for all foodies with a range of halal, gluten free, veggie and vegan options also on offer.

With visitors able to enjoy the popular Rum Shack, festival favourites Babu Bombay Street Kitchen, Scozzese woodfired pizza, the unique Fizzbuz prosecco van and more, it's set to be a fantastic two-day festival of fun.

The children's workshops are free to attend but numbers are limited so interested parties are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out more and book a place please visit: https://paisley.is/visit/kids-workshops/

Published 3 April 2019.