GREAT British Bake Off contestant Cathryn Dresser and TV presenter Stefan Gates will be among the culinary stars descending on the Marlborough Food and Drink Festival.

Cathryn came fifth in series three of the show and will be sharing her bakery skills during the festival.

Gastronautlive presenter Stefan, who has appeared on shows including Full on Food and Incredible Edibles, will introduce science into the kitchen. The event will be staged on the common for the second year, over the weekend of May 16 and 17.

Organisers say the line up will be even better than for last year’s festival.

John Rhodes, director of Garden Events Company which organises the event, said: “Last year it ran for the first time and, despite the weather, we had a very good response from local people.

“They were out in force in their gun boots; hence us returning this year.

“Cathryn Dresser from the Great British Bake Off is very popular and, with baking being so popular at the moment, I think she will go down nicely.

“We also have Jack Stein, who is the son of Rick Stein, and he is making waves as a chef in his own right. He’ll be bringing his seafood restaurant from Padstow, which I think will fit well in Marlborough.”

A number of Wiltshire firms will be selling their produce, including Bush Farm Bison from Bradford on Avon, Circle Cider from Swindon, Liquorice Heaven from Chippenham and Gastro Nicks of Collingbourne Dulcis. Fred Swift, the Wiltshire Bee Keeper, will give a talk about beekeeping. Local chefs include Duncan Jones from The Bell at Ramsbury and Michelin starred executive head chef Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park. The International Wine Theatre sponsored by Yealands Estate from Marlborough in New Zealand, will return after proving a hit last year.

The festival runs 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Daily tickets are £7, but entry for under-16s is free if they are accompanied by an adult.

Advance tickets are available online at www.garden-events.com until May 5.