Carlisle city centre is set to stage another big event – with foodies poised to feast on a range of delicacies and locally-sourced products.

Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines – who has appeared on BBC’s Masterchef as a judge – will be one of the stars of the show next month.

There will also be cooking demonstrations by soap star-turned food expert Sean Wilson, who for 21 years starred as Martin Platt in ITV’s Coronation Street.

The Carlisle Foodies Fest is poised to be another boost for Cumbrian traders and tourism, pulling visitors in after a summer filled with events such as the Carlisle Pageant, Cumbria Pride and the international market.

Sean, who was a familiar face on the cobbles of Coronation Street for 25 years, set up the Saddleworth Cheese Co in 2009 with the intention of introducing artisan Lancashire cheese to a wider audience.

Four years later he devised and presented The Great Northern Cookbook series for Channel 5, which featured Cumbrian farmer Gary McClure’s successful attempt to create the world’s largest Cumberland sausage.


Michael Caines Michael Caines worked at the top-rated Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

He then worked for famous food names such as Raymond Blanc and the late Bernard Loiseau. He has also opened the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College.

He said: “Cooking is my passion. I love it and I can never see not being in the kitchens.

“My interest in food began when I was a child, growing up in a large family – one of six children.

“Meal times were spent together as a family around the table enjoying fruit and vegetables grown by dad and turned into wonderful, simple meals by my mum, with a little help from me.

“It was a last-minute decision to train as a chef and I have never looked back.”


Anne Quilter Anne Quilter, Carlisle City Council’s portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, added: “Carlisle’s Foodies Fest will be another great free event for our residents and visitors to enjoy. There will be lots to see, and also the opportunity to meet some celebrity chefs. Come along and enjoy some locally-sourced and produced food.

“There’ll be something to suit all tastes.”

Local food traders, arts and crafts producers and other traders are being given the opportunity to have a stall at the two-day festival, while traders can take part in their own food demonstrations or presentations.

Organised by Carlisle City Council it is supported by Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

It will be held over the weekend of October 1 to 2.

To book a place to see the celebrity chefs, get your free tickets online here .

Anyone who is interested in taking part can contact Carlisle City Council on 01228 817156 or email events@carlisle.gov.uk