CELEBRITY chefs will be aiming to tantalise taste buds at Winchester Cathedral’s Fine Food and Wine Show from May 2-4.

The cathedral will welcome 45 exhibitors, experts and gastronomes from London and across the south to the three-day event, now in its third year.

An exclusive gala evening tonight (May1) will get the weekend off to a sparkling start and support the mission and ministry of the Cathedral.

Among the other lauded chefs taking to the kitchen theatre - which will host a programme of cookery demonstration, tastings and presentations throughout the weekend - will be a protégé of Raymond Blanc, Winchester resident and Michelin-starred chef Alan Murchison who is currently participating in BBC2’s Great British Menu series.

There is a variety of new dishes this year including from Lebanon and Ghana, shortcrust pies from one of the top London markets, unusual cheesecakes, hand-made biscuits using scented fragranced oils, exciting new wines, juniper wood products and other treats.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev James Atwell, said: “It is wonderful to bring such a variety of people together for this event and celebrate the role food has in our lives. Sharing a meal and fellowship are important ways to strengthen our relationships and community.

“In the different aspects of food and its serving, we all play different roles be it as consumers, growers, cooking the meal, setting the table, or enjoying the feast. By taking time out to enjoy and give thanks for the food that we are blessed with, we are reminded of both of this interrelationship and the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ to help us on our journey.”

The Fine Food and Wine Show will be in the Outer Close from Saturday to Monday, 10am-4pm daily. Tickets for Friday evening’s gala preview are available from Winchester Cathedral Box Office on 01962 857275 or online via the Cathedral website.