Town’s new festival is a baking hot favourite

Bakewell hosted the world’s first baking festival at the weekend when hundreds of visitors were tempted by a menu of celebrity demonstrations, talks and vintage-themed market.

Festival director Paul Morgans said: “It’s gone brilliantly. Everyone’s had a really nice time.”

Spectators from as far away as Sicily and Holland sampled the culinary creations of star bakers Stacie Stewart of Food Glorious Food fame and Edd Kimber, winner of the Great British Bake Off.

Stacie said: “The festival has been fantastic - it’s been a beautiful day in a beautiful town.”

Visitors snapped up exquisitely decorated cakes, biscuits and retro cookware from stalls decorated with bunting and balloons. Paul said: “Some of the stallholders have had record profits.”

Attractions included a commissioned play about the queen of cuisine Fanny Cradock, starring Anni Tosh, which was written and directed by fellow Bradwell resident Alison Benefield.

A Pies and Prejudice custard pie showdown between Mr Darcys caused controversy to the end after organisers won their battle to get the event insured.

Despite fierce competition from eight male contenders, the contest was won by a Miss Darcy! Hairdresser Aimee Wood, 24, of Air Studio in Bakewell, emerged victorious after being protected by Paula Sutherill, Liz McGoverne, Liz Ashmore, Andrea Rodgers and Nicola Crowther from a volley of paper plates laden with shaving foam.

Special guest Edwina Currie put the award for best dressed Mr Darcy to the public vote and product designer Ian Cheetham, 49, of North Church Street, Bakewell, scooped the honour,

Fired up by the buzz from the debut festival, Paul Morgans added: “Next year we’ve got a big idea planned, even bigger!”

Watch videos from 
the festival on www.matlock mercury.co.uk