This year’s Food & Drink Festival at Longleat (June 22nd-23rd) will have a decidedly Australian flavour to celebrate the recent opening of Koala Creek at the attraction. Now in its third year, the festival showcases the finest local produce - while also celebrating international cuisine.

Headlining the live cooking demonstrations in the Wiltshire stately home’s Longhouse will be Australian chef and TV presenter, John Torode (pictured here). A hugely popular and influential figure on the UK culinary circuit, John is best known as the straight-talking co-host and judge of BBC1's MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and Junior MasterChef, as well as the presenter of A Cook Abroad: John Torode's Argentina and John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV1.

Emma, Viscountess Weymouth, who is an enthusiastic cook herself, will be joining John on stage to assist with his live cooking demonstrations and has curated a special Luxury Afternoon Tea* in the Great Hall of Longleat House. Hosted and curated by Emma, she has handpicked some of the most elegant cakes and her favourite sweet and savoury treats for guests to enjoy.

John will also be joined by Tim Maddams, from the River Cottage TV series, who will be cooking on the Outdoor Demo Stage, alongside a number of other professional chefs. Market Street will be alive with the sights and smells of delicious dishes with everything from Japanese to Mexican street food, a hog roast, paella and steak sandwiches to choose from. There will also be a range of vegan options including Chinese, burgers and other hot foods available. Get into the spirit of the festival with a range of cider, craft beer, real ale, prosecco and fizz cocktails.

Listen to live music from more than 20 acts with talented local solo artists and bands on the Music Stage such as The Botanicals – Aussie Anthems Hour on the Saturday and Kylie on Show, a tribute act, on the Sunday, as well as a Busking Stage in the Main Square. The festival also features fairground rides including a big wheel, swing boats, teacups and coconut shy as well as crazy golf and a classic car display.

The Food & Drink Festival is included in Longleat’s Day Ticket so you can also enjoy the thrill of the Safari Park, the Jungle Cruise, magnificent mazes and all the other attractions plus don’t miss the chance to pop into Koala Creek to meet these iconic marsupials. For full details and to book visit www.longleat.co.uk/food-festival