Great British Bake-Off boys join Thame Food Festival 2014

THE latest celebrities to be announced for Thame Food Festival, on September 27, are celebrity bakers Edd Kimber and John Whaite, who will be teaming up to do a fabulous double act as well as interviews and a book signing. Local food writer and broadcaster Sophie Grigson will also be taking part in cookery demonstrations, as well as counterparts from the town.

Great British Bake Off finalists, Edd Kimber and John Whaite (Image courtesy of goodtoknow.co.uk

The event, a landmark in the food calendar, is set to be a veritable foodies paradise with a fantastic line-up of local and artisan products to try and to buy, as well as celebrity and local chefs and hands-on food talks and workshops for food lovers of all ages.

Planning for this year’s festival is already well advanced and once again the entire town centre will be closed to make way for the amazing array of food and drink producers, street food and live entertainment that will line the streets on the day.

Once again there will be a pop-up pub, The Thatch & The James Figg, serving locally brewed ales and refreshing ciders, and an all-new pop-up book shop, The Book House, where visitors can pick up all the latest cookery cooks with some signed by the authors themselves. There will also be traditional London Routemaster buses ferrying visitors into town from the nearby park and ride.

“It’s just six months to go until we celebrate all that is great about good local and artisan produce and we can’t wait for the day to come,” says festival patron, TV chef and writer Lotte Duncan. “We’re got some thrilling demos planned on stage as well as workshops to educate and entertain, not to mention over 150 stalls laden with incredible locally produced goodies and tempting street food to match.

“Plus in between now and September, we’re also got some exclusive events taking place in the stunning surroundings of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, thanks to our wonderful friends and supporters there,” she added.

“As well as enjoying Champagne afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the newly extended La Belle Epoque private dining room on Monday, June 2 – and being among the first guests to gain a sneak preview of this glorious new setting – we’re also offering you the chance to spend a day at the unique Raymond Blanc Cookery School on Monday, September 22, where you’ll have the ultimate cookery experience.

“Much, much more will be announced over the coming weeks so keep an eye on our web site www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk, where you can also sign up for news of forthcoming events, these exclusive festival offers and all the activities taking place on the day. And make sure you keep tSeptember 27 free. See you in Thame!”