ORGANISERS are promising this weekend’s Malton Food Lovers Festival will be the biggest and best yet.

Cookery demonstrations, producer stalls, celebrity chefs and a wine and beer festival are expected to attract thousands of visitors to the annual event which aims to promote Malton as the foodie capital of Yorkshire.

Entry to the producer stalls, beer festival and Market Place is free, but tickets are needed for the cookery demos, the new cookery school marquee, tutored tastings, celebrity interviews and book signings.

Antonio Carluccio, Tom Parker Bowles and Prince of Wales’ personal chef Visen Anenden will be joined by renowned Yorkshire chefs cooking on stage in the Milton Rooms.

Food critic and writer Jay Rayner will also talk about his new book during an interview with Selina Scott, and there will be new children’s events to keep the whole family happy.

Festival organiser Tom Naylor Leyland said: “This year’s festival is set to be the biggest and best yet with more attractions for all the family and some first-class guest cooks to demonstrate their skills and entertain the crowd.

“Malton is fast becoming the foodie capital of Yorkshire and this weekend will be the perfect opportunity to showcase the town and surrounding area to thousands of visitors.”

For more information visit www.maltonfoodfestival.co.uk

Look back at life in Malton

A NEW local history book will be available for the first time at the Malton Food Lovers Festival.

300 years of continuity and change: families and business in Malton from the 18th century to the present has been researched and written by Norman Maitland.

As well as consulting local archives, Mr Maitland interviewed residents who ran or still run local businesses in the town. Mr Maitland said: “It has been fascinating to research this history. I found a great deal about the history of this part of Yorkshire that I had not known before.

“This book is published by the Malton CIC to mark the tercentenary of the Fitzwilliam family’s involvement in the town. It explores the lives and times of the early owners and celebrates the part which other families and businesses have played in Malton’s past, together with the vital part they are playing in ensuring a vibrant future.”

The book, which costs £5, will be available during the festival from the ticket and information point. It will also be available after the festival from local shops.