The Bank Holiday weekend saw Harewood House play host to their annual family festival of food and drink.

Despite the unsettled weather, thousands of people turned out for the gastronomic whirlwind which saw curry alongside cockles and black pudding accompanying blackberry wine.

Huge pavilions were filled with every kind of food that you could imagine and a few that possibly you couldn't!

For meat lovers there were wonderful cuts of prime beef, pork and lamb, rare breed sausages and a whole range of game products. I was tempted by a golden brown game pie. There was an amazing selection of cheeses from various parts of the country with every flavouring possible.

Wine lovers had a chance to taste the produce from many different countries including a very tasty selection from Wales with flavours like blackberry and elderflower.

As well as a huge array of culinary delights available in the pavilions, there was a giant demonstration theatre with celebrity chef presentations throughout the day. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and see the demonstration by native supremos Brian Turner, Morley raised, and James Martin, from nearby Harrogate.

I was not disappointed. The show was a complete sell out and extra chairs had to be brought in for the masses who were desperate to see Yorkshire's finest chefs in the flesh. The pair bounced off each other like an old music hall act, much of the time having the audience in fits of laughter.

The two star chefs then prepared a wonderful feast. Mackerel, scallops and salad from Brian and his trademark superpuds with spun sugar from James. They were assisted by students from Thomas Danby College, a great claim to fame for the aspiring chefs to say that they have worked with such greats.

Cameras above the preparation areas beamed a bird's-eye view of the chopping boards to screens around the auditorium to enable the audience to pick up some handy tips from close range. The camaraderie between the pair made the demonstration very entertaining and their amiable nature was apparent when after the demonstration they took the time to talk to their fans and sign autographs. They then moved on to sign their latest books in the bookshop. I have to admit that I bought one of each (well I had to get to meet the delectable Mr Martin somehow!)

The second demonstration I saw was not nearly as well subscribed, surprising considering that the stars were Mary Berry and Food and Drink's wine supremo Oz Clarke. An interesting demonstration but sadly a little lacking in atmosphere compared with the first. This may be because Mary Berry is a cook and not one of the new breed of "celebrity" chefs who are well versed in the art of performing to an audience. Oz Clarke managed to keep the conversation going with well placed questions and comments.

Over the course of the weekend Rustie Lee joined the team of celebrity chefs to give demonstrations.

Free cookery schools provided tuition and for wine connoisseurs there was a tasting theatre with Oz Clarke. Kitchen gadgetry was also. There was plenty for the youngsters with races, Punch and Judy, face painting and a traditional fun fair ensured that it was truly a day for all the family.

The weekend was a huge success for Harewood. Head of Events and Visitor services, Elaine Speight said: "It was a fabulous weekend and as with last year's event we were impressed with the quality and standard of the exhibitors.

"It was a delight to see so many people leaving an event as happy as our visitors were this weekend."

KATE O'CONNOR