Raising a glass as thousands of food fans attend annual festival in Leeds

Kay Chapman and Laura Tacey serving gin from their Juniper 1933 van at the Yorkshire Food and Drink Show at Millennium Square, Leeds. Pictures: Tony Johnson.

THOUSANDS of food fans are descending on a Leeds landmark to make the most of some mouth-watering dishes.

The Yorkshire Post Food and Drink Show 2016 is back with a bang after a staggering 60,000 people flocked to the event last year.

The show, which is now in its sixth year, includes live cookery demonstrations, tasters from top restaurants and more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the best of the region’s food and drink at Millennium Square.

On the main demonstration stage, hosted by Great British Menu star Stephanie Moon, chefs from across Yorkshire will cook some of their favourite dishes. Stephanie said: “What makes Yorkshire special is the fact we have such a wide range of produce.

Jonathan Moore of the Yorkshire Hot Dog Company.

“It will be a fantastic weekend celebrating some of the best food and drink on offer.”

A second stage has been added this year and will include demonstrations from three of the county’s top cookery schools – Jamie’s Ministry of Food, Malton Cookery School and Cooks, The Carlton School of Food.

Another highlight will be a chilli eating competition, which will be held at 2.30pm on June 5.

The Yorkshire Post Food and Drink Show is the flagship event of the Leeds Food and Drink Festival and is free to attend.