ORGANISERS of this weekend’s Oxford Foodies Festival in South Park toasted the event with a picnic yesterday, as marquees for the three-day extravaganza started to go up.

Event director Sue Hitchen, 54, pictured with chef Chris Bentham, 34, said: “It has all been a real whirlwind, but despite the rain we are on schedule and it should be a very sunny weekend ahead.

“This is going to be a big family event, so we hope people will come along and enjoy the party atmosphere.”

The festival, which has run for four years in Edinburgh, will include tasting tents, masterclasses, demonstrations and live entertainment.

Mr Bentham, from the Black Boy pub in Headington, will be among the chefs demonstrating his skills in a live kitchen show tomorrow.

For more information, go to foodies festival.com/oxford