TV chef James Martin at Pickering’s Flavours of Yorkshire

The organiser of a brand-new food festival held over the weekend at Galtres Park (the former Pickering Showground) has proclaimed it a fantastic weekend, after thousands of people enjoyed cookery demonstrations, live music and a whole array of foods, drinks and other products.’

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during book signing pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

The event marked the work of Mark Brayshaw of Rockin’ Horse Promotions, who had previously helped organised Malton’s Food Lovers Festival.

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during his food demo pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

Mark said: “We have had a fantastic weekend, with the weather mostly kind to us, inspirational food demonstrations by Yorkshire’s own James Martin and a host of local chefs, the Grand Prix and live entertainment in the bar.

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during his food demo pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

“The response we’ve received has been really positive, with many calls for this to become an annual fixture in Yorkshire’s event calendar.”

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during his food demo pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

In his demonstrations on Saturday, James Martin showed how it is possible to make a three-course meal from scratch in just 30 minutes, with a menu featuring deep-fried soft-shell crabs, barbecue lamb chops and finishing with a lemon Swiss roll topped with strawberries and raspberries.

Whilst cooking, he regaled the audiences with stories of his times in kitchens with top chefs, honing his skills. Some of his techniques had also been picked up from fellow chefs with whom he’d shared a Saturday morning TV screen.

On Sunday, local chefs took to the stage for free demonstrations, including Gilly Robinson from The Cook’s Place, Ollie Farrar from Malton’s Forty Six, Richie Stamp-Mason from Tofoo & Co, Kathryn Bumby from The Yorkshire Pasta Company and master pâtissier, Florian Poirot.

Flavours of Yorkshire is the first of three events Mark has been working on with the team at Galtres Park to organise this year.

Earlier this year, he travelled to China to source pyrotechnics for a fireworks spectacular taking place on Saturday 7 November.

Planning is also underway for Pickering Snowglobe, a giant indoor Christmas market for the first week in December – completely protected from the elements, but full of festive cheer, gift ideas and food.

For more information, please visit rhp-events.co.uk