I have to admit, it’s taken me two tries to stick to a plant-based diet.

The first time I did Veganuary – a month-long promise to eat only plant foods – it seemed like purgatory. I was glad when the month ended, and I was yearning to drink a ‘real’ milky cappuccino and eat a slice of cheddar cheese on toast.

Second time around, I prepared better and instead of cooking my usual meals with some vegan substitutions, I rethought my approach. I had to put vegetables and plant protein at the centre of every meal, and to use a wider variety of ingredients. It took some thought, research and planning to begin with, but it turned out to be a fascinating project and one with tangible, and tasty, rewards.

Now I want to learn more, so I’ll be attending Vegfest UK, May 26-27, in Bristol. I’m hoping to pick up lots of ideas for great meals, listen to experts, admire vegan athletes and - most of all – to stuff myself with lots and lots of amazing vegan food.

Vegfest, at Bristol’s Ashton Gate stadium, attracts thousands of visitors from across the world, with events in London and Brighton too. Founder Tim Barford ran the very first Vegfest in Bristol in 2003. It’s a huge event, with more than 200 stalls, talks and cookery demos, live music, magicians and around 20 comedians. And how much can I eat in a weekend? I’m tempted by the promise of vegan Thai food, Indian food, ice cream, burgers, Mediterranean food, crepes and Caribbean patties.

Karin Ridgers, Vegfest presenter and promoter, a vegan for an impressive 20 years, tells me comedians are turning vegan in their droves.

“We’ll get to hear speakers you’d otherwise never get a chance to see,” she says. “And you don’t have to be a vegan to come. Maybe you have questions – about how food gets to your plate, or how to improve what you eat, or what else is out there. Food is obviously an important part, but there are also great things on for kids, and a brilliant line-up of comedians including Andrew O’Neill, who’s a vegan.”

She tells me: “Don’t eat before you come along! Have your breakfast here. Take a look at the programme first. There are so many things on and you don’t want to miss anything.”

Vegfest runs from 11am to 11pm Saturday May 26, and 11am to 9pm on the Sunday. Tickets are just £10 for adults and £5 concessions, in advance. To book, visit bristol.vegfest.co.uk.