Jean-Christophe Novelli in Essex!

Big on puns, the Food For Thorpe food festival in Thorpe-le-Soken will also be big on celebrity with live cookery demonstrations from Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Novelli and magic from Michael J Fitch (not to mention a Dolly Parton tribute band). Set in five acres just off the delightfully named Golden Lane, there will be stalls with specialist beers, local farmhouse produce and street food. There will also be a kids’ area, a vintage fair, arts and craft activities and vintage car display. Jean-Christophe Novelli will be running three demonstrations each day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Disabled access (parking and toilets).

* Day tickets £5, (under 16s free), from 10am – 6pm, cookery demonstrations £7.50, thorpefoodfestival.co.uk