The Bristol Eco Veggie Fayre is the new name for the event that Tim Barford has been running for the past seven years. Suzanne Savill finds out why it's changing

Callling all meat eaters – the Bristol Eco Veggie Fayre needs you. No, it isn't a joke. Organiser Tim Barford insists that he really wants people whose idea of a proper meal involves meat to come to the event on the Harbourside later this month.

"What I want is for it to reflect the way in which people in Bristol are open-minded," he says.

"I want it to be inclusive, and for anyone to come along and enjoy it.

"People make all sorts of different lifestyle choices and that's their business. I wouldn't want anyone to feel that they couldn't attend because they eat meat."

In fact, Tim is so keen to attract people whose diet is not meat-free that he has changed the name of the event, which will take place on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30.

It was originally called the Bristol Vegan Fayre when it started in 2004, but this year it will be relaunched as the Bristol Eco Veggie Fayre.

The first Bristol Vegan Fayre was attended by 1,500 people, and over the years the numbers attending reached a high of 12,000.

So why change the name to the Bristol Eco Veggie Fayre?

"We did some fairly detailed research after the last show in 2009 and found that the main reason some people didn't come was because they felt it was only for vegans and that they wouldn't be welcome.

"They also said that they would be more interested in an eco-veggie event – so that's what we're doing."

As in previous years, the event will take place at the Amphitheatre and at Waterfront Square. However, this year it will also extend to Millennium Square for the first time, covering an area twice as big as before.

There will be about 100 stalls, plus attractions including a childrens' area with a solar disco; cookery demonstrations; an eco-art expo; a green home zone; plus 15 caterers providing a wide range of vegetarian food including Mexican, Indian and Mediterranean.

There will also be two stages with live bands, including Roots Manuva on Saturday.

While vegetarians do not eat meat, vegans also do not consume animal produce such as milk or eggs.

Tim, 47, has been a vegan for 26 years, but he readily agrees that not everyone would choose to do the same.

"Being vegetarian is now becoming an accepted lifestyle choice," he says.

"It's widely accepted that it's good for you to eat more fruit and vegetables and less animal protein, and most schools in Bristol now offer a vegetarian option.

"But there's less understanding about being vegan. It's a positive lifestyle choice with an unfortunately negative image."

The Bristol Eco Veggie Fayre takes place at Millennium Square, The Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square on Saturday May 29, from 11am to 11pm, and on Sunday May 30 from 11am to 9pm.

Admission in advance is £6 for adults, and £3 for children and OAPs. Admission on the gate is £7 before 5pm, and £8 afterwards.