Top international chefs who’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business will take to the demonstration stage at Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth.

The festival takes place in the town centre on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, with the chefs’ showcase on both days from 11am to 4pm.

James Whitesmith, of The Oddfellow Arms in Caldbeck, is one of the chefs taking part. He worked under Gordon Ramsay at the Hilton in Dubai, as well as in places as diverse as Jersey and Jordan. Before coming to Cumbria he was a consultant chef who, in his own words, ‘fixed broken restaurants’, a little like his former boss.

James said: “The quality of the ingredients in Cumbria is fantastic and the mix of clientele is incredible – from the farmer who wants a pie and a pint, to the foodie looking for hake or scallops, or the family who want something nice that reminds them of a holiday. For a chef, it’s brilliant to be here. It’s all about cooking from the heart and not being scared to try something. Enjoy flavour and enjoy life.”

James will be joined by some great local names, including Ben Wilkinson, Rachel Harrison and Scott Melvin from Cottage in the Wood in Whinlatter Forest. Ben worked at Rampsbeck Hotel at Ullswater and Holbeck Ghyll at Windermere, as well as London’s Hilton Park Lane and venues in Derbyshire and Cambridge before coming to Cumbria. Rachel and Scott won prizes at the first ever World Gravy Championships held in Carlisle this summer, courtesy of Comptons Gravy Salt.

They will be joined by some other Cockermouth favourites - Sharon Heron from Fyne Fish, Manon Plouffe from Wild Zucchinis Bistro and Rees Fisher from the Trout Hotel.

Completing the line up will be Daniel McGeorge from the historic Rothay Manor at Ambleside who worked at The Bath Priory and the Lawns Restaurant at the four star Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, Wirral, before coming to Cumbria

Elsewhere in Cockermouth, there will be other launch events before the main festival takes over the town on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September.

On the Friday there will be a pop-up restaurant at Wordsworth House & Garden where Michelin-starred chef Kevin Tickle, of Forest Side in Grasmere, will be cooking for just 32 guests. There’s also a comedy night at the Kirkgate Centre.

At Jennings Brewery on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there’s the Prosecco & The Pig picnic, with fizz from The Tipsy Filly and artisan meats from StoneHouse Smokery, as well as the ever-popular free-entry beer festival, courtesy of Workington’s Tractor Shed Brewing and Jennings.

New for this year is The Gin Station. On Friday, 28 and Saturday 29 September, Helen Askew, the Tipsy Filly, will be hosting a gin tasting and masterclass in the courtyard of Cockermouth’s old police station with help from Koppers café bar.

A few tickets for the comedy night and Secret Gin Station are still available from www.tastecumbria.com or call 01228 612000.