PREPARATIONS are well under way for the Great British Food Festival taking place in the grounds of Harewood House, over the bank holiday weekend.

Over 75 different traders will be in attendance, amongst them artisan food producers and street food vendors. Along with wonderful food and drink producers there will be a great line up of local bands, chef demonstrations, foodie talks, man vs food competitions and a bake stage.

Dan Maycock, one of the organisers said: “We have got a great mix of local produce and best of British, coming from further afield. On the hot food front you will be able to try anything from traditional hog roast to Mexican and Thai dishes, so hopefully something for all tastes!”

The Chef Demo stage hosts a headline name for each day, with former Great British Bake Off stars, Howard Middleton, Luis Troyano, Sandy Docherty and popular local chef Steph Moon making an appearance. Alongside the celeb chefs, some of the best regional talent will be showcasing their skills; so from baking tips to fine dining know-how the demo theatre is the place to be for any budding chef. On top of cooking up treats on the demo stage, the Bake Off stars will be overseeing the popular Great British Cake Off, where amateur bakers compete head to head in three baking categories (see www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for details and to enter), and best of all if you enter a cake you get free entry to the festival!

There is entertainment for all the family over the weekend, including kid’s cookery lessons, free circus skills, and children’s rides. With live music throughout the day your festival ticket also includes entry to lower house, kids play area and bird garden. Dan aded: “So it’s a great value day out for the whole family.

“Bring a blanket and sit out for the day enjoying great food and drink, live music and beautiful surroundings. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family.” See www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for discounted advanced tickets.