THE Englishman who put the bubble into bubbly is being celebrated in Winchcombe this weekend.

Festival of Fizz is a unique event taking place on Saturday and Sunday to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of Christopher Merrett, who born and raised in Gloucester Street in the town.

He is attributed to playing a major part in the creation of 'fizz' more than 20 years before Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon famously introduced champagne to the world in Epernay, France.

The festival which is open noon to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday will also feature talks, demonstrations, music entertainment in North Street and Abbey Terrace and the chance to try and buy samples of fizz, cider, perry and sparkling wines.

The Lion Inn, North Street, will be serving champagne, cocktails and tapas and there will be a street cafe outside Food Fanatics.

Organiser Chris Sweet said there will be something for everyone.

"That's the whole idea," he said. "It will be Covent Garden in the heart of the Cotswolds. We're looking forward to it."

A recital concert by visiting semi-professional choir from the Netherlands and Germany is taking place in St Peter's Church on Saturday afternoon at 3pm and there will be a family fun day on Sunday with face painting, bubble cannons, foam party, competitions and town guided walks.