AN ANNUAL food festival is set to return.

Authentic Indian Marathi food will fill a Chandler's Ford venue on January 27.

Organised by the South of England Marathi Food Pariwar the event is a bid to bring the community together - and share the love of good food.

Last year around 400 people came along - and organisers are expecting similar numbers again.

As well as tasty treats there will also be games and activities for all the famiy - all based on south Indian traditions.

Organiser Gloria Khamkar said: "The festival is becoming a known annual event in the local communities.

"Marathi food is from the Indian state of Maharashtra.

"One thing is very commonly associated with the Marathi food - whatever is grown in the region is mainly used in the local cuisine in the various parts of Maharashtra.

"For example, one belt of this state uses locally grown coconut, another belt uses rice. "Similarly in some areas, peanuts are used significantly in many dishes, and another belt uses Jaggery which is a traditional, unrefined, wholesome sugar.

It takes place from 12.30-3pm at Chandler's Ford Methodist Church.