The Full Lineup Of Star Chefs is Revealed for Chatsworth Country Fair
James Martin, The Hairy Bikers and Mary Berry are the star chefs lined up to share their culinary expertise at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair (30 August - 1 September).
Along with an exciting mix of young and established local chefs showcasing their expertise across the three days, the culinary heavy-weights have become a much-anticipated attraction to the thousands of visitors who flock each year to what is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events.
To start the weekend off, one of the nation’s favourite cookery writers and television presenters Mary Berry takes centre stage on Friday. The past couple of years have been extremely busy for Mary who, alongside chairing the Chatsworth Country Fair in 2018, has been fronting several series for the BBC. These include Mary Berry Everyday and Classic Mary Berry, both of which were accompanied by cookbooks; Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets and most recently lead judging on the new TV series Britain’s Best Home Cook. Mary Berry is a crowd favourite at the Country Fair and Chatsworth is excited to welcome her for her 7th year.
Mary Berry said: “I am really looking forward to appearing at Chatsworth Country Fair – it is the greatest, most special family day out, with something for everyone, in the most glorious setting, you can even bring your dog!”
Swapping his usual Saturday morning spot on television, James Martin will be hosting a cooking demonstration and book signing on Saturday 31st, offering fans an opportunity to meet him face-to-face. Alongside his 18 cookbooks, James Martin has had a successful television career that has cemented his position as one of the nation’s best-known chefs. His latest venture, James Martin Kitchen, opened in 2015 at Stansted Airport leading to further openings at Manchester Piccadilly station, Glasgow Airport and Debenhams, Thurrock. James is passionate about celebrating British food and Chatsworth Country Fair is delighted to welcome him once again to The Stoves Cookery Theatre.
Closing out proceedings on Sunday, the much-loved Hairy Bikers will be bringing their usual cheek and charm to their Chatsworth Country Fair debut. Si King and Dave Myers have become national treasures after cooking together for more than 20 years. Their television credits include more than 20 series’ including Mums Know Best and Asian Adventure and they also have an extensive catalogue of cookbooks from Perfect Pies, Big Book of Baking and Great Curries. Their most recent publications are Mediterranean Adventure and Make it Easy, the latest edition in The Hairy Dieters series.
The Hairy Bikers said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Chatsworth for the Country Fair after having such a brilliant time in the area back in 2008 while we filmed our Hairy Bakers series. We were lucky enough to ride incredibly rare Brough Superior motorcycles and bake scones in the birthplace of afternoon tea! Everyone was so welcoming and we can’t wait to go back and be guest chefs at this event.”
The packed line up also includes a selection of extraordinary local chefs including Chris Mapp, owner of the award-winning The Tickled Trout in Derbyshire who were the winners of Derbyshire Life Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year in 2018; Eva Humphries, aka the Wholefood Warrior, a nutritionist who is known for her easy and energetic food demonstrations; the self-taught bistro-style chef Luke Payne, who is head chef and owner at The Pack Horse, Hayfield and James Payne who, after studying at Barnsley catering college secured a position at Claridge’s in London, and is now head chef at Derbyshire’s Baslow Hall.
The Fine Food Village will be packed with more than 100 stalls bursting with food to enjoy on the day, as well as produce to take home, making it once again a foodie’s paradise.
Highlights announced for this year’s Country Fair include The Ukrainian Cossacks, the UK’s leading motorcycle display team, the Bolddog Lings and the Poppy Parachute Team.
There is plenty to appeal to children of all ages, from joining the Children’s March Past or the fairground rides.
Super advance tickets are available until 30 June with a 20 percent discount. On the gate prices for adults are £25 each day and includes parking while children under 14 get in free. Check the website for full details of offers and ticket prices including members’ packages.
Gates open at 9am each day, with a closing ceremony at 6.30pm.
For more information on the event and to book tickets, please visit www.chatsworth.org/countryfair
