CELEBRITY chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will be making his festival debut this summer by bringing his River Cottage canteen to Cropredy.

Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall, also a writer, broadcaster and campaigner, is making a move into festival catering and Fairport’s Cropredy Convention will be the first event.

Thousands of festival goers will be able to buy organic and locally-sourced food throughout the three-day event, and the River Cottage team will stage a series of food-themed workshops to pass on their knowledge of the garden, kitchen and hedgerow.

Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall said: “I am really excited that the River Cottage Canteen is attending this year’s Cropredy.

“We aim to bring a taste of River Cottage to the festival through our programme of workshops and our delicious menu which we’ll be serving up throughout each day.”

River Cottage was set up by Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall in 1998 after he moved to the original River Cottage in Dorset, to start growing and rearing some of his own food.

It was the centre of a successful television show, and River Cottage has since grown into a businesses involving farmers and residents in Dorset offering courses, a shop and restaurant.

Simon Nicol, Fairport Convention’s guitarist and lead singer, said: “We are big fans of Hugh’s books and programmes, so we’re delighted that River Cottage Canteen is coming to Cropredy this year.

“We hope it will be the first of many visits.

“I know our audience will welcome River Cottage — I’ll be at the front of the Canteen queue myself.

“Cropredy is not only about the best in music, it’s about great food and drink too.”

Cropredy festival, in its 30th year, takes place on August 12, 13 and 14, and the line-up includes Status Quo, Rick Wakeman, American act Little Feat and Fairport.

For more information or tickets view fairportconvention.com