Wakefield Council’s Festival of Food Drink and Rhubarb (FDR) which was nominated for a White Rose Award for Tourism Event of the Year, returns on the 26 and 27 February 2010.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, said: "The FDR is a fantastic opportunity for us to show the entire region our amazing local produce and culinary talents and this nomination is further recognition of that. The festival is extremely popular and builds year on year. "

This years line up includes a cookery demonstration from Yorkshire Chef and star of ITV’s Taste the Nation, Rosemary Shrager. Rosemary will also attend the festival’s grand finale, a dinner organised by Wakefield Hospice at the Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield.

Rosemary said: "The Wakefield Food, Drink and Rhubarb Festival is a wonderful platform to showcase the best of our regional produce. With strong Yorkshire links and the fantastic added bonus of supporting Wakefield Hospice, I am absolutely delighted to be involved."

Cllr Jeffery added: "It’s fantastic to be able to welcome someone as well known as Rosemary to the festival and I have no doubt that there will be lots of people looking forward to seeing her in action."

The full line up includes food demonstrations from top regional chefs, Tim Bilton and Ashley McCarthy and a chance to explore the districts attractions by hopping on the Rhubarb Rover, a red London Bus which will travel between the city centre and the National Coal Mining Museum, Nostell Priory and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Deliciously Yorkshire, the specialist food market from the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and the Humber, are joining the festival for the third year running with 25 specialist food producers selling the best of Yorkshire foods. There will also be a full local produce market outside Wakefield Market Hall on both days.

Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb Brochure 

• For full details of the event download the festival programme in "Downloads"
• Request a copy from Wakefield Council’s Tourist Information Centre 0845 601 8353.

For Rosemary, Rhubarb and Custard event information and tickets contact Emily Osborne or Keeley Harrison at Wakefield Hospice fundraising department on 01924 213900.