Wakefield prepares to welcome chefs for its annual rhubarb festival

Wakefield is part of the rhubarb growing triangle in Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell, with the plant playing an important part of the local economy for over 150 years.

The city’s famous rhubarb has even joined the hallowed ranks of Europe’s protected foods, with the same status as Champagne and Parma Ham.

The three day festival, from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February, will play welcome celebrity chefs - Brian Turner from BBC Two Ready Steady Cook, Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano and chef Rachel Green star of ITV Yorkshire’s Flying Cook and World on a Plate.

This year’s festival also welcomes local chefs from the Yorkshire area with Heather Copley from Farmer Copleys, Liam Duffy from Iris Restaurant and Allums Butchers and Stephanie Moon from Rudding Park.

Coun Les Shaw, the council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport said: “I’m delighted to welcome celebrity chefs alongside our own amazing talent from local eateries.

“The festival is a great opportunity to join the chefs as they share their favourite rhubarb recipes and cook up some tasty treats. And with lots more on offer it’s sure to be a fantastic event for all the family to enjoy.”

In 2014 the event attracted more than 125,000 visitors and the festival now in its ninth year takes place in Wakefield City centre and runs from 10am–5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-4pm on the Sunday.

The Wakefield rhubarb festival showcases some of the region’s tastiest foods and most talented chefs from across the country, with cookery demonstrations, street food, walks and tours and a deliciously Yorkshire Market combined with street entertainment.

More than 40 stalls will be selling a variety of rhubarb produce from bread, cupcakes, sausages and pies.