A FOOD market hosting the final of a street food competition described as the "biggest" in the world is urging people to attend the event in Reading this weekend despite the "unpredictable" weather.

The UK final of the British Street Food Awards supported by Hellmann's is being hosted by Reading's Blue Collar at Market Place this weekend.

READ ALSO: Reading's Blue Collar to host final of the British Street Food Awards.

Thousands entered the competition and hundreds competed and now the finalists will cook to be crowned Britain's best on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.

Blue Collar is urging people who have bought a ticket to attend the event in order to support the traders.

In an email sent to attendees, the company thanked them for booking a ticket to the event.

It added: "After a horrible year for our industry, and at the hardest ever time to be a street food operator, your support means everything and is really appreciated by us all."

Blue Collar said the "weather looks a bit unpredictable" but explained the venue will have a heater and three marquees providing cover.

The email added: "If you’ve bought a ticket and are tempted to stay away because of rain, please do still come along at your time slot - even if you just grab food and a drink to takeaway.

"Covid restrictions have meant we’ve had to restrict attendance, so we really need those that managed to get tickets to turn up for the food traders to stand a chance of earning any money."

It added: "Big love and thanks again for your support. See you at the weekend."

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When attendees arrive at the event, they will receive a voting slip which they can give to their favourite trader.

Blue Collar said that after more than 3,000 applications, it is now down to the 14 best traders in the UK.

A range of food will be on offer including plant based foods, Japanese street food, Malaysian food, traditional puddings and more.

The lineup for Saturday includes Osaka Local, Porco, Makasih, Greidys, Rajiv's Kitchen, The Peruvian and Pellizco.

Sunday's lineup is Maison Breizh, Utter Waffle, Bao Selecta, Bao Bros 23, Pabellon Venezuelan Food, PWDIN and Honest Edibles.

With lockdown restrictions currently in place across the UK, The British Street Food Awards organisers are working with SumUp in order to ensure that the public event can take place safely.

Using SumUp’s Online Store, visitors will be able to easily order and pay for food through the SumUp app in keeping with the guidelines.