Top names announced for Ottery food festival in May
Celebrity chef Michael Caines to headline the Ottery St Mary foodie event.
Devon culinary icon Michael Caines MBE is joining chefs from local eateries The Pig and Lamb & Flag to give free cookery demonstrations at the Ottery St Mary Food & Families Festival along with the chefs of the future - catering students from The Kings School in Ottery who will also be showing off their talents.
Now in its eighth year the festival is firmly established as a popular day out for locals and visitors to the area, with its mix of demos, local producers, food stalls, live music and activities for all the family.
The free event takes place on May 30 from 10am to 6pm at its new location on land owned by headline sponsor Otter Garden Centre in Gosford Lane on the edge of the town. The new site means that everything will be easily accessible in one area.
As well as the live cookery demonstrations, there will be the opportunity to try a range of locally produced food and drink from across the region with more than 30 trade and 12 catering stalls.
One of the festival organisers, Tina Chauhan-Challis said: “We are delighted to have Michael headlining the food festival which has become such a feature of the town’s calendar.
"It’s looking to be the best festival yet with a full-on programme including activities for younger children; a Bake Off for primary schools, fancy dress competition and forest school skills. We also have some great live music lined up with uber-talented musicians from the local area."
The festival kicks off at 10am with the first cookery demonstration from The Kings School students followed by Michael Caines at 11am. Regulars will be pleased to know that Samosa Lady is undertaking a ‘cook off’ with Good Game. The food market and stalls will be open all day; caterers include Rusty Pig who will be launching its new ‘Dirty Diner’, Not Just Sushi, Crepe Escape, Coldharbour Farm and Dough Bros.
Michael Caines was born in Exeter and trained at Exeter Catering College. Amongst his many successes, he was Head Chef at Gidleigh Park before opening his own successful country house hotel, Lympstone Manor. He has made regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen and Masterchef. He also supports a number of charities through the Michael Caines Foundation.
Follow the festival announcements (including updates with regard to Coronavirus impact) on Facebook @OtteryStMaryFoodFamiliesFestival
Please note if May 30 is cancelled due to Coronavirus proposed alternative dates are June 27 or September 12.
