THOUSANDS of visitors and keen foodies are expected to flock to Hampden Park this weekend as the Scotland Vegan Festival comes to town.

The festival, hosted by Vegan Events UK, one of the largest animal friendly festivals in the UK, and has also partnered with animal welfare and education charity Miracle’s Mission.

Around 100 stalls will fill the stadium, offering free samples to taste, live music, live cookery demonstrations, inspirational talks and workshops as well as children’s activities.

The event not only caters to vegetarians and vegans but also others interested in seeing what the festival has to offer.

The event’s founder, Victoria Bryceson, said she set the festival up with the aim of promoting animal welfare and also to educate people on how to live a more ethical and healthy lifestyle.

Open to all, Victoria described how noth non-vegans and non-vegetarians alike will be “surprised” at how much there will be on offer for them.

She said: “So many of the products people consume and buy are vegetarian or vegan anyway without people even realising.

“It is all about trying new things and opening people’s eyes to new possibilities.

“Cutting out meat and dairy from your diet can seem extremely daunting and many people are increasingly looking for alternatives as they want to live more healthily and ethically, but they also want to do it affordably and without it being boring.

“The festival will educate people on how to do this.”

The food stalls will highlight how varied and exciting a vegan diet can be with hot and cold food available including Jamaican, Chinese, Indian, raw food, vegan cheese and street foods.

For the sweet-toothed, there will be a range of stalls including chocolates, cupcakes, cream cakes and sweets.

There will also be a whole range of non-food stalls selling a variety of items including clothing, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, jewellery and gifts.

Several animal welfare charity stalls will be at the ready to raise awareness of good causes.

Craig Younger, general manager for Sodexo Sports & Leisure at Hampden Park, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the Scotland Vegan Festival to Glasgow, and hope this will be the start of an ongoing relationship with Vegan Events UK.

“With plans to launch our own vegan menu later this year, I’m sure the day will also provide some great inspiration.”

Victoria added: “We are really looking forward to being in Hampden Park with unlimited space, a lovely atmosphere - and free parking.”

Tickets for the Scotland Vegan Festival at Hampden Park on Saturday, July 14 can be purchased on the door for £3, with under-16s going free of charge.

VIP tickets, which include fast-track entry, a goody bag, samples, discounts and offers, can also be purchased online in advance for £15 via eventbrite.co.uk.