A festival of food from 14 countries will be served in Swindon this weekend.

The International Food Fair will be at STEAM on Saturday, June 29 with food from Pakistan to Mexico.

The event raises money for charity with the stallholders, who all come from the local area, donating their food and time to the event. 

It is organised by Connecting Communities. Its chair, Tajwar Hassan, said: “Food is one thing I think we all have in common. We all enjoy food. So we feel that this is a good way to bring people together.”

There will be mains costing around £7, or sides and snacks to try for £1 each.

Pakistani biryani, Palestinian falafel, Mexican chilli and Somali lamb will all be brought together.

All the food is homemade by people “just like me and you” in or around Swindon, with the cooks paying for their own ingredients and receiving no money.

“Every penny is going to charity”, said Tajwar. “I'm not aware of any event that works in this way, where so many people cook for the bigger cause.”

The causes are chosen by lot - two countries are picked who choose a project from their country.

This year England and Egypt were chosen, lending support to Julia’s House children’s hospice and buying an ultrasound machine for a free clinic in an Egyptian village.

Last year the event raised £18,000 for The Harbour Project and two other projects in Nigeria and Palestine after over 1,000 people attended.

Tajwar said: “It is hundreds of people who come together to make this event successful and raise money for good causes.”

For children, there will also be more familiar foods like pasta and pizza, and entertainment including face painting and henna. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.

At the 2022 event, one family took advantage of the opportunity to order five different meals from different countries.

International Food Fair in Swindon features dishes from around the world

"I think the stuffed vine leaves were my favourite," mum Kate said.

"But I know the kids loved the baklavas."

Tajwar previously said: “We can really see the benefits. It’s also a good opportunity for refugees to feel a part of our community because they get to run some of our stalls. 

“It helps to integrate them into our society and gives them the chance to give back.”

The event will be held at STEAM on Saturday, June 29 from 11:30am to 4pm. Entry is free, but donations are encouraged.