The Voice finalists Into the Ark to headline Paisley Food Festival

The Voice finalists, Into The Ark, have been announced as the headline music act at this year’s Paisley Food Festival.

The talented duo, who finished as runners up on The Voice 2017 will perform at the free event which will take place on Saturday 22 April at Abbey Close from 12pm – 7pm.

Now in its third year, the festival will showcase the breadth of Scotland’s exciting street food scene, with traders using the very best seasonal ingredients and sustainably sourced produce in their dishes. This event also forms part of the push for Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021, which is due to be submitted at the end of the month.

Dane from Into The Ark said: “We always love playing in Scotland, it’s like a second home for us. It’s great to be supporting Paisley 2021. This will also be our first proper gig since taking part in The Voice, so we’re looking forward to getting back to what we do best.”

Into The Ark are also on tour in across the UK in May and June, including headline dates in Edinburgh and Inverness; a festival slot in Inveraray; and a charity event for Nordoff Robbins in Glasgow.

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: “The growing list of special guests and interesting traders participating in this year’s Paisley Food Festival is sure to attract hundreds to the town for what I’m confident will be the best food festival yet.

“The range of events taking place this month will further help to showcase our town at its very best at a crucial time as we prepare to submit our bid for UK City of Culture 2021.”

Also confirmed to attend the event are Masterchef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean, who will host a series of cooking demonstrations, and CBeebies star Katy Ashworth who will entertain children and families throughout the day and give them the chance to participate in fun, interactive games, stories and sing-a-long songs.

The event has a wide selection of producer traders catering for all kinds of tastes with smaller portions available at reduced prices for children. Visitors will also be able to sample a wide range of craft beers, small batch gins and prosecco on tap.

The Cooking Demonstration tent will host a packed programme of free food workshops, which are now almost fully booked.

The festival is just one of three food and drink events taking place that week. Scotland’s largest real ale festival, the 30th annual Paisley Beer Festival, will return for another year to Paisley Town Hall from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 April and Paisley Restaurant Week, delivered by local business improvement district Paisley First, will run from Saturday 15 to 23 April, with discounts and deals available at eateries throughout the town centre.

For more information visit www.paisley2021.co.uk