TICKETS are now on sale for the fifth annual Malton Food Lovers Festival, with more attractions and events than ever before.

Wine buffs will be delighted to discover two new wine events: tutored taste workshops, led experts from the world of wine, and a ‘trade-style’ wine tasting in the grounds of the Talbot Hotel.

Each tutored taste workshop offers participants the chance to learn more about wines in the company of renowned experts, who will guide each group on a journey through a wine region. The choice ranges from the ever-popular Champagne area to the New World countries of Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina.

English wines are championed by Stuart Smith, founder of Ryedale Vineyards in Westow. Other experts include wine writer Christine Austin, Laura Young from the Wine Academy and James Goodhart from Bon Coeur Fine Wines.

The workshops will take place in Finkle Street Square – just off Finkle Street – and numbers are limited to 28 for each session.

For those who prefer something more informal, festival-goers can buy a ticket to the wine tasting, sponsored by Paul Tate-Smith.

Visitors to the marquee in the grounds of the Talbot Hotel will meet up to 12 different wine suppliers who will each provide some of their favourite wines. With about 100 wines available to taste, everyone is bound to discover a new favourite.

Mr Tate-Smith said: “We are delighted to be part of the Festival’s new trade-style tasting. We always get such a buzz out of talking to people about wine and helping them to discover new favourites.”

For those who prefer other tipples, the ever-popular Beer Festival will take place in a large marquee beside the Milton Rooms. Run in association with the Great Yorkshire Brewery, there will be 30 real ales to enjoy.

The marquee will also house a Champagne bar and wine bar.

Celebrity chefs and food, glorious food

COOKERY demos, producer stalls, celebrity chefs and a gala festival dinner are sure to provide something for everyone at the Malton Food Lovers Festival on May 18-19.

Entry to the producer stalls, beer festival and Market Place are free but tickets are needed for the cookery demos, the new cookery school marquee, tutored tastings, celebrity interviews and book signings.

Antonio Carluccio, Tom Parker-Bowles and Prince of Wales’ personal chef Visen Anenden will be joined by renowned Yorkshire chefs cooking on stage in the Milton Rooms.

Food critic and writer Jay Rayner will talk about his new book during an interview with Selina Scott, and there will be new children’s events to keep the whole family happy.

New this year is a charity gala dinner on the Saturday evening when Antonio Carluccio will cook and talk guests through a Tuscan banquet in his own inimitable style.

To find out more and to book tickets visit www.maltonfoodfestival.co.uk