Get ready for a taste explosion

Jul 5 2007 By Paul Fulford, Birmingham Mail

EATING irons at the ready! The second Taste of Birmingham food festival opens at Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, tonight.

The event opens with a VIP launch when the Birmingham Bites culinary awards will be presented.

The ceremony will be hosted by TV chef Antony Worrall-Thompson, with Heart FM DJs Ed James and Sarah-Jane Mee.

Celebrities including Birmingham City FC managing director Karren Brady, celebrity chef Aldo Zilli and rock star Roy Wood will present winners with their awards.

Also among the famous guests will be cast members from the BBC soap Doctors. The festival continues until Sunday.

Taste of Birmingham, supported by the Birmingham Mail and Channel Four, brings together 20 of the region's top restaurants. Visitors can buy tokens so they can sample signature dishes.

Restaurants taking part are Al Faisals, Aria at the Hyatt, Bank,

Brasserie Blanc, Cielo, Filini, Hotel du Vin, Jonathan's, Lasan, Liason, Malmaison, Opus, San Carlo, Simpsons, Thai Edge, The Oriental, Turner's Grill, Wongs and Deolali.

There will also be food and drink suppliers, visits and demonstrations by famous chefs and live entertainment.

Last summer's first Taste of Birmingham was a huge success, attracting thousands of food fans.

Tickets start at £12. For information ring 0870 060 3785. Visit www.channel4.com/tastefestivals or email tastefestivals@brandevents.co.uk.