Video: Serving up a storm at the Yorkshire Food and Drink Show

More than 60,000 visitors are expected to be attending the jam-packed event at Millennium Square, which brings the 17-day Leeds Food and Drink Festival to a close.

To celebrate the Tour de France, which will be coming to Yorkshire in July, a ‘Grand DeParty’ section will be showcased at the event, including French-themed produce from the city’s top French restaurants, including Kendells Bistro and Brasserie Blanc.

The three-day Yorkshire Food and Drink Show, which is backed by The Yorkshire Post, kicked off yesterday and includes over 100 exhibitors showcasing the best food the region has to offer.

As well as live cookery demonstrations, Yorkshire produce, craft ale tasting sessions and cocktail classes will be available for visitors.

Deborah Copeland, director of marketing at Leeds and Partners, which is leading the festival, said: “We have so many wonderful and diverse culinary communities in Leeds and the wider region.

“The Yorkshire Food and Drink Show brings them all together for everyone to enjoy.”

She added: “We’re looking forward to showing residents and visitors the very best we have to offer when it comes to food and drink.”

Other events include a cooking demonstration by George Psarias, owner of the Olive Tree Greek restaurants.

He will be preparing melintzanosalata – an aubergine dip – and tzatziki during his demonstration at 4pm tomorrow.

Masterchef finalist Afsaneh Kaviani will also take to the cookery station to showcase Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Meanwhile, Heart FM’s breakfast presenters Dixie and Emma will compete in a special cooking challenge, with help from chefs at Leeds City College.

Fitness fanatics will be able to work up an appetite at the Filmore and Union stand, where visitors will have to cycle for a superfood smoothie.

Youngsters will take centre stage with lessons from Leeds City Council to highlight healthy options and help little ones practise their skills for the future.

Leeds-based Lauden Chocolates will be sampling and selling their products and Leeds Loves Cocktails will be sampling two different punches while bars battle it out against each to create the tastiest cocktails.

The Millennium Square event is open from 11am to 7pm until tomorrow.

Handmade in Yorkshire will also hold an event at Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street, which will see local street food vendors selling everything from Yorkshire pies to Vietnamese treats.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds Council’s executive member for development and economy, said: “We’re delighted that Handmade in Yorkshire is going from strength to strength, celebrating all things Leeds and Yorkshire. There’s going to be a mouth-watering array of produce and entertainment on offer and we look forward to welcoming those who love local produce and producers as much as we do.”

• Last entry for the Millennium Square event is 8pm on Friday. It will also be open from 11am to 7pm on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.