EXETER Festival of South West Food & Drink will once again play host to some stellar live music this year.

The Festival After Dark Party nights allow festival goers to enjoy the varied street food and local beer and cider whilst listening to some of the best live music the South West has to offer.

With sponsors Pavey Group, Exeter Food Festival will be putting on three nights of music in Exeter Castle Courtyard from April 23-25.

Opening the festival on Thursday night is soul and R&B songstress Sarah Eden-Winn.

Sarah has shared a stage with acts like Tony Hadley and Paloma Faith as well as finding considerable success on BBC’s The Voice. She will be fronting the Mama Stones band.

First up on Friday night are Exeter locals Lazy Lizard. American vocalist Crystal Carter fronts the 4-piece and characterises their ice-cool funk sound.

Lazy Lizard are followed by Friday night’s headliners - The Simmertones.

With a classic ska sound that draws comparisons with Bad Manners and The Specials, The Simmertones have become West Country favourites.

Friday night is sure to be a feel good, dance party from start to finish.

Saturday night sees the return of Angelo Starr.

After his success at last year’s festival Angelo, brother of Edwin Starr, will return with the Mama Stones band to finish off the After Dark Party nights.

The variety of acts that are on offer matches the multitude of food and drink stalls that the festival offers. ‘Eat, drink and be merry’ goes the phrase and the After Dark Party nights are a good opportunity for festival goers to make merry after a day of eating and drinking.

The street food stalls and the Festival Bar will remain open in the Castle Courtyard until late so the eating and drinking can continue into the night.

Now in its twelfth year, the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink is supported by Exeter City Council. The festival is a not for profit event.

Tickets can be booked in advance and are available will be available online.

Weekend and Combined tickets include access the Festival After Dark Party nights or tickets for individual evenings can be purchased.

or more information or to buy tickets visit: www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.