THE 21st York Food and Drink Festival takes place next month, featuring hands-on cookery sessions for both adults and children.

Visitors will be able to learn practical skills such as how to make chocolates, bread or pasta at a new 'Food Hub' in St Sampson’s Square, according to festival director Michael Hjort.

Mr Hjort said that for the first time, the Hub would also double as a pop-up restaurant at night, run by restaurants including the Star Inn the City and Meltons, and would represent the heart of the festival’s programme, playing host to a market of small food producers on the two weekends and being taken over by 800 primary school children taking part in cookery sessions during the week.

The festival, which runs between September 22 and October 1,will also take part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Morning every day, with cakes provided by the event’s many great bakers.

Mr Hjort said: "Among the tops chefs attending are Michelin Stars winners like Andrew Pern, Tommy Banks, and James Mackenzie.

"There are others from Great British Menu, like Steph Moon and Josh Overington and from MasterChef Sara Danesin Medio and Joel Arnold. Other demonstrators come from the best of York’s food scene including Neil Bentinck (Skosh), the team from Melton’s the Grand, the Park and Rafi’s Spice Box. There are over 130 food stands attending, so if you want to buy produce from macaroons to smoked salmon or street food ranging from Asian steamed buns to filled Yorkshire puddings, there is something for everyone."

Visitors will also be able to explore York through a Taste Trail of local establishments, and children will be able to make chocolate lollipops or explore a recipe trail through the city.

Mr Hjort said: "There is a strong return to the festival’s core principles; promoting regional food, the diverse food scene of the city and food education.

"Entrance to the festival is free but tickets for a variety of events are now on sale. They range from a Champagne and Caviar tasting to a charity evening with York Soup. The bars and entertainment tent is open to 9pm every night with entertainment including the return of York’s Little Festival of Live Music. There are a series of restaurant offers for all budgets. For real ale enthusiasts, there is a dedicated festival bar in Parliament Street specialising in local brews and an ale trail that finishes there but can be started now in advance of the festival."

To find out more about the programme and the full line up for the food and drink festival, food lovers can go to yorkfoodfestival.com