Those who have already watched cook and television personality Lotte Duncan demonstrating some of her scrumptious recipes will know just what a mouth-watering experience it can be.

Lotte is a quintessential English cook, whose ability to inspire would-be cooks is second to none. This skill is one of the many reasons why she is the patron of the Thame Food Festival. Organisers of the festival, that takes place on Saturday September 24, know that her love of English country fare is infectious, her recipes simply delicious. They are proud to have her on board. Lotte is probably best known for the numerous television shows she has appeared in during the past decade which include ITV1’s Dial a Mum and BBC2’s Castle in the Country. Her cookery school which runs day long sessions that promote local produce and disclose the tricks of the trade when cooking up a delicious lunch are popular too, also her newly established shop Lotte’s Kitchen, in Keen’s Lane Chinnor. It’s here that you can sink your teeth into Lotte’s luscious cakes, shop for stylish cookware or watch her demonstrate her cooking skills.

Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc will also be there throughout the festival signing copies of his latest book Kitchen Secrets. This is the fourth time the foodies of Thame have organised a festival which takes over the centre of this bustling little market town Last year was superb and attracted record crowds. This year they are confident it will be even better.

Other celebrity chefs invited to demonstrate in the main demo kitchen in Montesson Square include Mark Peregrine and Adam Johnson from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Mr X from the Great British Menu, Steve Love and Ian Craddock from sponsors McCormick Schwartz, Giancarlo and Kate Caldesi, of Cavendish Events and Nigel Rumsey from Cornfield Bakery.

The Festival acts as a showcase for local artisan food and drink producers and retailers, of which there are many, all of whom will be displaying their wares. These include Chilton Brewery, Tims Dairy, Daws Hill Vineyard, Merchants of Vino, Mortimer Chocolate, the Good Biscuit Company, Cherry Tree Preserves, the Granary Deli, Meah’s Flavours of India and Sandy Lane Farm. There will be children’s cookery classes too and specialist food talks. Perhaps the most delightful thing about this event however is that it is free. This enables families to enjoy a great gastronomic day out sampling local food and being entertained without digging deep into their pockets.

Lotte is particularly excited that the festival is now firmly established as a family event, offering competitions and activities for the younger members as well as the adults. She sees it has a wonderful chance for everyone to share a real food experience and a chance for the traders of Thame to show off their wares. Visit www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk