Bake Off winner at Foodies Festival Christmas in Harrogate

Running from Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13, it’s a return visit for the Foodie Festivals which proved a big hit on its previous visit to the town earlier in the year.

From tomorrow, Friday estival-goers can watch this year’s Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain whip-up Christmas showstoppers in the Cake & Bake Theatre or get inspiration from Yorkshire’s acclaimed chefs cooking live in the Chefs Theatre.

Nadiya said: “’I am so excited to be taking part in Foodies Festival Christmas. I will be baking some of my favourite festive bakes which the audience will be able to recreate at home and wow their friends and family with.

“I am also looking forward to visiting the artisan market and tasting festive street food, in particular.”

The three-day festival which starts tomorrow, Friday, is packed with all sort of food and drink treats.

The line-up of chefs includes leading names from Yorkshire, in particular, including Murray Wilson of Harrogate’s unique Scandi-influenced Norse restaurant.

Other highlights include an Artisan Christmas Market with over 150 producers; a Pudding Hall filled with festive favourites; a Champagne Ski Bar; a Drinks Theatre with wine, champagne and gin masterclasses; a Street Food Village with flavours from around the world; an Elf Cookery School with gingerbread decorating classes for little foodies; and live music and entertainment throughout the day.

Festival founder Sue Hitchen said: “We had a great time in Harrogate with our summer festival, so we are delighted to be back, this time with our Christmas jumpers on.

“We’ve got lots of foodie festivities planned and we can’t wait to watch Nadiya in the Cake & Bake Theatre and get a slice, or two, of her cake.”

As well as the famous Nadiya, other chefs confirmed for the Foodies Festival include:Sara Danesin Medio (MasterChef Finalist 2011), Stephanie Moon (chef consultant for All Things Food), Lionel Strub (The Clarendon Hotel), Rachel Green (top TV chef), Richard Fox (top TV chef), Steve Bulmer (Swinton Park) and many more.

Visitors can shop and sample from over 150 producers in the Artisan Christmas Market selling cheeses, chutneys, jams, oils, biscuits and more.

Gin lovers will lap it up as Yorkshires’s small batch gin producers, including Masons’ Yorkshire Gin, host daily Christmas Gin Cocktail masterclasses, and wine experts Charles Metcalfe and Neil Philips will be on-hand helping visitors match wines with festive flavours in the Drinks Theatre.

Beer expert Melissa Cole will also join the festival championing craft beers.

Tickets are available at www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111.