FOOD, drink, expert chefs and children’s fun are all on the menu at the 2019 Taste Cumbria food festival in Kirkby Lonsdale.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 in association with Taste Cumbria magazine and Cumbria Life.

This is the third time Kirkby Lonsdale has played host to the event, which attracts thousands of visitors.

More than 30 producers will set up stall in Market Square, while Lunsdale Hall is home to the chef’s demonstrations and children’s activities.

Oli Martin, head chef at Hipping Hall at Cowan Bridge, just on the outskirts of Kirkby Lonsdale, is one of the chefs who will be doing a demonstration. He is fresh from his appearance in the finals of Masterchef: The Professionals so his showcase is bound to draw the crowds.

He said: “It’ll be great to see Taste Cumbria back in Kirkby Lonsdale. The buzz around town is always fantastic.

“I love having any excuse to talk about food so I’m looking forward to my demo. I haven’t decided what I’m cooking but it’ll be very seasonal, with some ingredients from Hipping Hall’s garden – I’ll see what’s tasty and ready to eat.”

Event organiser Anna Chippendale, of CN Events, said: “Kirkby is a fabulous place for people to explore and we love coming back here each year.

“We’ll have more than 30 stalls in our producers’ market, we’ve got a new venue for our beer festival, our children’s activities will keep the little foodies happy, and there are loads of places for people to eat and drink. What more could we ask for?”

The producers’ market takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, April 13 and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, April 14. Children’s activities run at the same time in Lunesdale Hall, and the expert demos take place on the hour from 11am until 3pm.

For more information about Taste Cumbria email carrie.buchanan@newsquest.co.uk, visit www.tastecumbria.com or call 01228 612000.