CELEBRITY chefs, a pudding tent, and a barbecue trail are just some of the highlights of the Clitheroe Food Festival on Saturday, August 13.

At the main food market area next to Clitheroe Market, over 70 food and drinks stalls will be exhibiting, while music and entertainment will take place throughout the town.

Some places are still available to see demonstrations by Michael Heathcote of the Duke of York, Grindleton, and Steven Smith of the Freemasons Arms, Wiswell.

Masterclasses by Paul Heathcote of The Longridge and Nigel Howarth of Northcote in Langho are sold out but a small number of seats may be made available from any 'no shows'.

More than 200 sweet treats will be on offer all day under the roof of the pudding tent.

Ribble Valley freemen the Duke Of Lancaster Regiment’s field kitchen will be cooking up the dishes troops have tucked into in Afghanistan, and many stalls will be offering tasty titbits as part of the barbecue trail.

Last year, the event which was held to celebrate the town’s new status as the ‘food capital’ of Lancashire, attracted more than 5,000 people.

Festival spokesman Michael Lough said: “One of the most interesting things we’ve got are the 10 South East Asian and ethnic food businesses we’ve got coming from Blackburn.

“They’re going to be cooking traditional dishes, using Lancashire ingredients so it’s a real fusion.

“We’ve also got the new Oyster And Otter restaurant giving fish demonstrations and masterclasses.”

A park and ride will be running from the auction mart into Clitheroe, for £3, for visitors who want to avoid parking in the town.

Reduced cost wristbands and festival programmes will be on sale on the day, and a host of non-food related entertainment including live music will be taking place.

Michael added: “It’s going to be a brilliant day out, whatever the weather; the stalls are all covered so the traders will all be there, there is some cover too for visitors, and a lot of indoors activities.”

Julie Whalley, who owns cupcake company Buns of Bowland, said: "Clitheroe is recognised as Lancashire's food town and last year was a great success and we are hoping to build on this and make sure everyone has a fantastic time.

"We are in the heart of one of the country's finest food producing areas and there will be stacks of delightful treats on offer as well as music and displays to keep people entertained."

* Clitheroe Food Festival, Saturday, August 13, 11am - 5pm. Most events are free. Visit the website at www.clitheroefoodfestival.co.uk for more information.