BEAMINSTER: The Eat Dorset show returns to Parnham House on October 18 and 19 for its annual celebration of Dorset’s food.

This year’s food fair, the tenth since its inauguration, will be opened by two-star Michelin chef Michael Caines, head chef at Gidleigh Park and owner of the Adobe Hotel and Restaurant Group.

Eat Dorset will also be working with the charity Families for Children, of which Michael is a patron.

He will also judge Eat Dorset’s Best Autumn Recipe competition. Recipes can be sent to info@eatdorsetfoodfair.co.uk by October 15, with the two best cooked at the event by visiting chefs.

The chosen winner will receive a pair of dining tickets for a lunch or dinner at River Cottage Headquarters.

Organiser Annette Smallwood said that it had been a ‘great ten years’ for Eat Dorset.

“Our challenge is to keep finding interesting and innovating things to bring to the fair. It is a beautiful setting and myself and fellow organisers Jenny Robinson and Emma Treichl were very pleased to be recognised nationally as among the best food fairs in the country,” she said.

“The main aim for all of us involved is to bring great Dorset produce and producers together at an event that everyone can enjoy.”

There will be a number of demonstrations by visiting chefs, including Lesley Waters, Mark Hix, Mat Follas, Brett Sutton, James Golding, Andy Wright and Aidan Chapman.

Children’s events will be run by Families for Children and include storytelling from children’s author, David Lawrence Jones, in addition to competitions, face-painting, hair-braiding and crafts.

The grounds will be open from 10am to 4pm on October 18 and 19, with entry priced at £6 although children under 16 go free. The gardens of Parnham House have been made available to Eat Dorset visitors.