Melksham's second food and drink festival has received a boost after receiving the official backing of London brewery Fuller’s.

The brewery, owned by the Fuller family, of the Neston Park estate, near Corsham, has become an official sponsor of the festival, which is due to be held between June 25 and July 4.

Fuller’s director Richard Fuller was in Melksham last Wednesday to mark the fact that Melksham Assembly Hall, run by Melksham Town Council, has chosen Fuller’s as its main supplier.

Mr Fuller, said: “We are delighted to be working with Melksham Assembly Hall as it is a venue which is held dear by many people in the town. We are also very pleased to be one of the sponsors for Melksham Food and Drink Festival 2010.”

During his visit, Mr Fuller was given a tour of the hall, and spoke to festival organisers.

Jan Porter, manager of Melksham Assembly Hall, said: “He was very enthusiastic and said they were looking to do more in the area. They are going to get involved and have a stand of speciality beers.”

The festival, organised by Melksham Town Council, will be held at venues across Melksham and is principally sponsored by Waitrose. It has been moved from May to June to take advantage of the hotter weather.

Events this year include a festival food fair, a ‘safari supper’, taking in venues across the town, and demonstrations from top chefs Peter Vaughn and Martin Blunos.

Organisers are appealing for people to donate their old teapots to Melksham Town Hall, to be put to good use during a traditional tea dance in the Assembly Hall on July 1, from 2pm-4pm, which will include dances such as the waltz, tango and cha-cha-cha. Tickets for this event will be £4.50 each.

Recipes are also being collected for an official food festival book which will be sold during the nine-day event. All recipes must fit under the headings of healthy, quick and simple, or a special treat.

To submit one, email maggie.giddings@melkshamtown.co.uk and include your name, address, telephone number and age category (either children up to 11, 12-18 years or adults).

Andrew Morgan, 32, one of the festival organisers, said: “It’s looking bigger and better than last year – there are certainly more events and it should be really good.

“People have been very enthusiastic. It’s all about promoting Melksham, local produce and businesses that sell local produce and food. We’ve just got our fingers crossed for good weather.”