THE runner-up in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing John Whaite will start the Country Harvest Food and Drink Festival in Ingleton. 

John will be kicking off the festival at 6.30pm on June 8 in the marquee in the grounds of Country Harvest. He is a current presenter on Channel 4's Food Unwrapped and Steph's Packed Lunch. 

Also in the line-up is Great British Bake Off star Sandy Docherty who will be running a cake decorating masterclass on Saturday and Yorkshire Food Finder Sue Nelson, who will be running two cookery demonstrations on Friday and Sunday.

The food and drink festival will consist of free masterclasses, tastings, supplier stalls, demos, BBQ’s, live music, giveaways and more. There will be lots of local food and drink to taste, buy and learn about.

The first food festival was in 2018. There will be two evening events, John’s cookery demonstration being the first (Thursday) and an Abba Tribute band will be the second (Saturday). Tickets for these two evening events can be purchased in-store at Country Harvest, or over the phone – 015242 42223. 

The daytime part of the food and drink festival on June 9, 10 and 11 is free entry.

Managing director Mike Clark said: “We’re so excited to host our fantastic food and drink festival again this year, we had to take a break for covid but we’re so pleased we’re bringing it back again this year for our 30th year. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever and we couldn’t be happier having Strictly Come Dancing sensation John Whaite kicking off our event.”