Food festivals: Tuck into a harvest of delectable autumn treats

Between 25 and 27 September there are more than 9,300 events celebrating France's culinary heritage as part of the Fête de la Gastronomie

Taste of Wales: Abergavenny Food Festival

Autumn brings a good excuse for gourmet travellers to pack their bags and explore local flavours with a wave of festivals celebrating the season's bounty throughout the UK and across Europe.

The Abergavenny Food Festival (abergavennyfoodfestival.com; 18-20 September) features talks and demonstrations from tastemakers such as Yotam Ottolenghi, Raymond Blanc, Tom Kerridge, and Hemsley and Hemsley, as well as a huge food village and countless events.

At the same time, Guernsey will host its first International Festival of Food (visitguernsey.com/foodfestival; 18-27 September).

Over in Ireland, the International Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival (galwayoysterfestival.com; 24-27 September) is one of the world's longest-running oyster celebrations, now in its 61st year. Sample native oysters from Galway Bay and see who takes home the coveted World Oyster Opening Championship trophy.

Sicily's unique cultural heritage extends to its cuisine, with many dishes heavily accented by its North African neighbours. San Vito Lo Capo Cous Cous Fest (couscousfest.it; 18-27 September) celebrates the humble yet versatile grain. As well as talks and demonstrations, highlights include the Italian and World Cous Cous Championships.

Truffles are some of autumn's most highly prized bounty, and Alba Truffle Festival (fieradeltartufo.org; 10 October to 15 November), in the northern Italian province of Piedmont, is one of the most prestigious places to sample the highly prized white variety. Chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world spend thousands to secure prime examples at the daily truffle market here.

For a lower-key alternative, try the White Truffle Festival in Sant'Agata Feltria (santagatainfiera.com; every Sunday, 4-25 October) in neighbouring Emilia Romagna.

No matter where you find yourself in France between 25 and 27 September you'll be able to take part in one of more than 9,300 events celebrating France's formidable culinary heritage as part of the Fête de la Gastronomie (bit.ly/FeteGastro). Expect picnics, gourmet extravaganzas, markets, fairs and cooking demonstrations from St Malo to St Tropez. Shrimps are the stars of the show during Honfleur's annual La Fête de la Crevette (bit.ly/HonfleurFete; 3-4 October) on the Normandy coast.

Some of Spain's best seafood comes from Galicia, and much of it is landed in O Grove, near Pontevedra, where you can join the celebrations at its annual Seafood Festival (bit.ly/OGroveSeafood; 1-12 October).