Kokova Magazine

Gloucester Quays is hosting its first ever Food Festival this summer and has secured its very own special ingredient that's sure to draw the crowds in.

Two of the UK's favourite TV chefs Gino D'Acampo and James Martin will be cooking live on stage in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre on Saturday and Sunday respectively, and have promised to give visitors a culinary treat!

I can't wait to meet everyone on Saturday and show you how to create some simple, delicious recipes, Italian style – but with a unique Gloucestershire twist ... Fantastico!

Gino

Joining them over both days will be 2010 Masterchef semi-finalist Stacie Stewart who wowed the judges with her twist on British classics. Stacie is rapidly becoming a TV regular and has enjoyed giving cookery demos at the BBC Good Food and Ideal Home shows.

The 3-day Food Festival taking place from 22-24 July celebrates food and drink from around the UK, as well as showcasing home-grown Gloucestershire and Cotswolds delicacies.

Entrance is FREE and for food lovers there's the chance to visit the stalls selling and sampling a wide variety of specialist food and drink - some of which you won't find on the high street.

The Gloucester Quays Food Festival is a fantastic showcase for many artisan producers - and a great opportunity for you to try some of the finest, fresh produce. And it doesn't have to be expensive as you will discover on the day.

James Martin

For those wanting to see Gino D'Acampo and James Martin, the organisers are urging people to book before the event to guarantee a seat. They cost just £5 (plus 95p booking fee) and can be booked online at www.gloucesterquaysfoodfestival.co.uk or at the Gloucester Quays Outlet customer service desks.

Timetable for Gino Saturday 23rd July, 10:30, 13:30, 16:30 (Times may be subject to change).

Timetable for James Sunday 24th July, 10:30, 12:00, 15:30 (Times may be subject to change).

But if you miss out, there’s still a chance to meet them in person as they will be signing their latest books in the Mall on the Saturday (Gino) at 15.00 and Sunday (James) at 14.00.

There's plenty to see and do throughout the weekend including adult and kids' Cookery Masterclasses, arts and crafts, champagne bar plus the speciality food stalls.

So whether you want to join in or just sit back and relax in the 'food and drink to go' area while the live music keeps you entertained, it promises to be a fun and varied day out for the whole family.

And don't forget the bargain shopping!

The Gloucester Quays Food Festival is set in the heart of the Historic Docks, home to Gloucester Quays Outlet offering up to 70% off normal retail prices at shops such as Le Creuset, Oneida and ProCook plus favourites M&S, Next, Gap and Nike and designer shops LK Bennett, The White Company and Osprey London.

Gloucester Quays is a fantastic setting for events such as the Food Festival and will be one of the biggest events we have ever held. It promises to be a great free day out with lots on offer in addition to our permanent discounts available at the Outlet.

Gloucestershire is known as a Foodie county and with the combination of celebrity chefs, master classes, stall holders and entertainment, I am sure we will have the right ingredients for a great event.

Richard Rawlings, Gloucester Quays Centre Manager

Open 10am –7pm (Friday and Saturday) 10am-5pm (Sunday) Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SH

The Food Festival is FREE

Tickets for the Cookery Theatre for Gino and James will need to be booked in advance and cost £5* plus 95p booking fee.

To book tickets, go to www.gloucesterquaysfoodfestival.co.uk

For general information call: 01452 338 933