READY Steady Cook regular Alex Mackay tried to keep all his eggs in the air as he helped launch the annual Foodies Festival.

He will be joined by other top chefs at Oxford’s South Park this bank holiday weekend for the event, now in its seventh year.

MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen and ITV’s Food Glorious Food contestant Bini Ludlow join Michelin-starred Gary Jones from Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Mr Mackay, TV chef and writer Sophie Grigson, Michael North of The Nut Tree, Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi of The Caldesi Cookery School and Max Mason of The Big Bang, who will cook their signature summer dishes in the Chefs’ Theatre. Mr Mackay said: “I’m really looking forward to a feast of food and fun at the Foodies Festival this weekend.”

Organiser Sue Hichen said: “We are delighted that a selection of the UK’s top street food companies are coming to Oxford for the first time, including Pizza Pilgrims and Frenche Comte.”

Tickets for one day cost £12 or £18 for all three days. Children 12 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

The event is on Saturday from 10am to 7pm and between 11am and 7pm on Sunday and Monday.

For more information, visit foodiesfestival.com or call 0844 995 1111.