THIS week saw the launch of Taste of the Teign, one of south Devon’s newest and most exciting celebrations of local food with produce picked and reared in the surrounding fields, caught in local waters or harvested from the hedges firmly at the heart of this food and drink celebration.

So far the festival has already witnessed at Teignmouth venues Cracking Crab workshops at The Crab Shack, an autumn cocktail workshop at The Bronx Bar and Cue, Food History and Culture of Teign Estuary and a quiz and homemade scones and jam at Oystercatchers Cafe.

Bishopsteignton has seen a tour and lunch at Old Walls Vineyard; tales from the riverbank with Barry Sessions, of River Teign Mussels at Cockhaven Manor; Devon Preserve Us farm tour, cookery demo and a cream tea at Shute Farm, and a brewery tour, barbecue and beer at Red Rock Brewery.

Commenting on the inaugural festival, Stephanie Cherrett, general manager for Visit South Devon, said: ‘The Taste of The Teign is a very rare thing – a celebration of genuinely local food and produce that comes from within the watershed of the Teign Estuary or from the boats that land their catch in Teignmouth. Few festivals are so restrictive; they are not so fortunate to have such a bountiful location where the key components come from the land and waters that you can see, touch and visit.

‘From the mighty mussels and oysters harvested on the River Teign to wines and beer produced on the hills above Bishopsteignton, the Teign Estuary is an exceptional place for food, drink and fabulously fresh produce.’

Lori Reich, who helped set up the event and who co-owns award-winning Shute Fruit and Produce with her husband, said: ‘Taste of the Teign is a wonderful opportunity to put the Teign Estuary and its incredible array of local foods and delights firmly on the map. You can enjoy a meal at one of our fabulous local restaurants, which are showcasing the fine produce that can be found in and around the Teign Estuary, or you can visit our Farmer’s market in Teignmouth tomorrow, which is twice its normal size and will feature kitchen cart demos.’

Tomorrow sees a tasting day at Luscombes Farm Shop, Stokeinteignhead, 8am-noon, Harvest at the Teignmouth Farmers’ Market including kitchen cart demos, at The Triangle, Teignmouth, from 10am to 2pm and from 10am to 4pm café-ODE and Two Beaches Brewery – free tasting at café-Ode, Ness Cove, Shaldon.

On Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, The Press Gang & Slow ‘n’ Low. Press your own apples and take your own juice home. Enjoy an American-style barbecue with free samples at Milltop Orchard, Combeinteignhead or from 10am-4pm, tasting day at Luscombes Farm Shop, Stokeinteignhead.