GREAT British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood was the latest TV personality to brave the weather at the Gloucester Quays Food Festival today.
Paul gave three baking demonstrations to the packed Cookery Theatre today, and also signed books and met his fans.
TV chef James Martin will demonstrate his cookery skills tomorrow as the festival comes to a close.
The festival, which continues tomorrow, features more than 120 food and drink stalls with produce such as vintage wines, cheeses and meats.
Despite the heavy downpours today organisers expect around 100,000 people to visit the festival, which also features live music, craft stalls and cookery classes.
Andrew Mitchell-Stead, events manager for the Gloucester Quays, said: "It's great that this event is gaining credibility in the food festival circuit and that we're able to attract such big names. Now when we approach celebrities to attend the majority of them say 'yes' straight away.
"The festival has been a great vehicle for local businesses and for customers to speak to traders to get to know their products. Footfall took a dip today with the rain but we've had around the same amount of people visiting as last year."
The event kicked off yesterday with 'Taste of Gloucestershire' Day, which paid homage to the delicacies of the area.
Last year's Great British Bake Off winner Frances Quinn joined culinary experts from across Gloucestershire to judge Victoria sponge and cupcake entries, before giving a baking demonstration.
Gillian Piper, from Truffle Hunter in Cirencester which has a stall at the event, said: "The festival has been fantastic because it promotes local produce. People want to support their local businesses rather than their supermarkets, and events like this help them to do that."
Stuart Colcoulgh, who attended on behalf of Nibble Nose Cheeses, said: "We've always done these events because they're really well organised and they advertise really well. Local produce is getting more and more popular."
Roy Smart, from Riverford Organic Farm which also has a stall at the festival, said: "These shows are important for businesses because we can talk to customers about our products. It's great that these festivals are held to help us out."
