Celebrity chef Parveen Ashraf, also known as the ‘Spice Queen’ will be the main attraction at a food festival in Blackburn.

The Bayt Muhammad Academy are set to host the event on Sunday, January 8, which celebrates international cuisine, local culture and female entrepreneurs at the Ivy Hall on Newton Street.

The event has been organised by female members of the Bayt Muhammad Academy and aims to support start-up businesses led by women in Lancashire.

Guests will be treated to a celebration of 'international cuisines and rare delicacies, as well as a variety of activities and creative outlets' for children and adults alike.

Acclaimed author and chef, Parveen Ashraf, will host a talk and a live cookery class showcasing some her most famous recipes.

Umm Aisha, event coordinator said: "During these increasingly difficult times of financial hardship, we sincerely hope this event will support our local female entrepreneurs and provide an opportunity to meet, network, support and empower sisterhood amidst the business world with positive engagement for people of all backgrounds.

"We also hope that this event will help raise funds and awareness for our greater vision of an integral educational seminary that will further our dream for an empowered future."

All proceeds from this event will be donated towards the academy’s new educational seminary project.

Since 2010, the academy has operated from a small, terraced house and catering for the Shaafi’i community.

All are welcome and entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children with doors opening at 11am.

Parveen Ashraf will begin a talk at noon with the live cookery exhibition starting at 3pm.