GREAT British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, Cbeebies stars Katy Ashworth and Ben Faulks as Mr Bloom will be topping the bill at this year’s Gloucester Quays Food Festival.

This year’s event takes place from July 17 to 19 and starts on Friday by welcoming some of the Cotswolds’ most acclaimed chefs and some of Gloucester’s rugby players - past and present – who will be put through their paces in the kitchen in the hope of turning them into culinary masters.

On Saturday Paul Hollywood returns to bake live and share some tricks of the trade with lots of laughs and audience participation thrown in to the mix.

While Sunday is all about the next generation of cooks, growers and bakers, as Cbeebies star Katy Ashworth and Ben Faulks as Mr Bloom will have the youngsters singing, dancing and learning how to become little chefs and healthy eaters.

Paul Hollywood, Katy Ashworth and Mr Bloom will be signing books and posing for pictures with fans at designated times throughout the day they are appearing on.

There will also be a huge range of stalls offering delicious, artisan food and drink to try and buy, plus cookware and cooking accessories, crafts, jewellery and lots more.

Visitors can meet the producers, sample their wares and go home laden with the finest food, drink and gifts that are not available on the high street.

Children will be entertained with the return of the free hands on cooking activities at the Kids Cookery School, located in a special kids’ cookery marquee in Pillar and Lucy Square. Sessions can be booked on the day at the festival.

Music and street/circus shows will be there to provide entertainment throughout the days with some of the best new musical artists from Gloucestershire taking a turn.

Richard Rawlings, centre manager at Gloucester Quays said, “This is the fourth year we have held the food festival and each year it has increased in popularity.

“It is a fantastic weekend event, there is something for all the family and we are looking forward to the return of Paul Hollywood and welcoming new chefs Katy Ashworth and Mr Bloom.

“Those coming to the event will have a brilliant time and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new visitors to the outlet centre.”

All demonstrations and shows will take place in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre, located at the heart of the festival in Mariner’s Square. The venue is fully accessible for disabled visitors.

Tickets and more information on the Gloucester Quays Food Festival 2015 are available from www.gloucesterquays.co.uk/events