TOP chefs will be demonstrating their cooking skills at this year’s Wallingford’s Food Festival.

Gary Jones, executive head chef at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Great Milton, will open the festival, which runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday at Bridge Villa Caravan and Campsite in Crowmarsh Gifford.

Paul Bellchambers, 54, owner of Moulsford-based catering firm The Late Chef, launched the event last year and it attracted 1,500 visitors.

Mr Bellchambers said 40 food producers have signed up for the festival so far, double last year’s total, and he is hoping that up to 3,000 people will attend.

He said: “The success of last year’s festival surpassed our own expectations.

“Gary Jones is one of the top chefs in the country, so it’s a real coup to get him.

“This is all about celebrating local produce and there will be stalls for meat, vegetables, fruit, eggs, bread, cakes, jams, beers, wines, ciders and cheese.

“I think people are starting to realise that it’s just not sustainable to keep flying in food from thousands of miles away when there are such vibrant growers locally.”

Alongside Gary Jones will be Peter Lien, chef manager at the Women’s Institute Cookery School at Denman College, Marcham, Momo Fujita-Clarkson, who will prepare Japanese dishes, and Devon-based chef Nick Crosley.

For more information, visit wallingfordfoodfestival.co.uk