Chef Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food in Bradford is celebrating its second anniversary later this month.

Since setting up in the city in November, 2009, the centre has seen more than 500 people through its doors learning to cook.

Staff at the Ministry of Food will be cooking up a whole load of treats as part of the anniversary celebrations on Tuesday, October 25.

Nearby traders in the Oastler Centre on John Street will also be joining in the fun.

Centre manager Soraya Overend has organised children’s bun decorating, soup tasting, cooking demonstrations and children’s rides and games. Inside the market there will be a guess the weight of the pumpkin competition, hide and seek, face painting, Halloween tombola and break dancing.

Councillor David Green, the executive member for regeneration, said: “It’s marvellous that the Ministry of Food centre has helped so many people in the district ranging from people who have had strokes to those with learning disabilities. Learning to cook simple healthy meals has turned their lives around in many cases. They have also taught school children to cook and had team building sessions for businesses.”

Participants can sign up to a ten-week course of cooking classes at the John Street centre for £4 per session.

For more information on classes call (01274) 435279.

  • The LunaMatik music and arts festival will be held in Bradford in conjunction with the Ministry of Food to help celebrate its anniversary.

It will begin with a street party around the Oastler Shopping Centre, featuring Matik’s DJs.

Events taking place in the festival from Tuesday, October 25, and Sunday, November 13, include the free Halloween Monster market on Saturday, October 29, at the Oastler Centre between 9.30am and 5pm.

Snapz, a celebration of Bradford’s African and Caribbean photographers, is at the Delius Arts Centre between October 25 and Monday, October 31. A launch night reception is on the first day.

On Saturday, November 5, at Delius Lived Next Door Pub is the Brad Aid Bonfire Jam. Entry is free and the event will be raising money for the Disasters Emergency Committee East Africa Appeal Fund. If any bands want to play they should e-mail don@solamatik.co.uk.

For more information, log on to lunamatik.co.uk.