This year’s Food and Garden Festival is cooking up a storm.

Star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will be bringing a touch of class to proceedings for the bumper Letchworth weekend which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17.

The French culinary wizard’s three-demonstration appearance is the blockbuster addition to two days showcasing the town’s gardening and cooking prowess.

Organisers at Love Letchworth are placing a greater emphasis this year on raising awareness of the importance of where your food comes from, and there will be gardening advice on hand from green-fingered sages.

Love Letchworth operations director James Peachey said: “These attractions, alongside many more including great stalls and activities, will help to turn the town centre into a haven for foodies and gardening fans on this special weekend.

“Both locals and those from further afield are once again expected to attend in their thousands, as they have done since the festival was first held in 2010.

“Do-it-yourself demonstrations to help your kitchen and garden skills will complement one another, as the festival aims to place greater emphasis on its garden side than ever before, as is befitting of the world’s first garden city.

“Love Letchworth, supported by North Herts District Council, is encouraging the community to get involved more than ever before.”

The weekend will pack in a main stage featuring the biggest demonstrations and an Eastcheap stage with cooks and bands from the area, with a children’s section planned for Leys Avenue.

The festival takes place between 10am and 4pm each day and there’s no admission charge.

If you are interested in running a stall, doing a demonstration or sponsoring the event, limited opportunities are still available. Get in touch with Love Letchworth by calling 01462 486999 or emailing foodfest@loveletchworth.com.

For more information visit www.shopletchworth.com.