James Martin to headline Ascot raceday food festival for second year
Chef James Martin is to headline the Ascot Festival of Food and Wine Raceday for the second year running.
Set to take place on 6 September, the event will see Martin and his team serve a three-course set menu at the racecourse's new restaurant, On 5. He will also be present to meet diners on the day.
In addition, the chef will demonstrate two of the dishes to attendees with "grandstand" and "premier admission" tickets, as part of a £37 package, which will also include a glass of champagne, reserved seating for the demo, and a gift bag.
The event is also set to feature a variety of food stalls around the racecourse grounds, including cheese suppliers, chocolate makers, fine food producers and fudge makers, plus international wine tastings.
Commenting on his involvement, Martin said: "I'm delighted to be returning to the Ascot Festival of Food and Wine for the second year. It's a fantastic day out that gives people the chance to combine great racing with an opportunity to sample the best in local cuisine and learn how to recreate their own delicious dishes at home.
"There was a real buzz around the cooking demonstration that I did last year and I'm looking forward to returning for more of the same in a few weeks' time."
Tickets for the raceday are still available online, from £20, with fine dining tickets starting at £145.
The racecourse's habitual lead caterer is Sodexo Prestige, after it signed a five-year contract in July last year. Sodexo has been in place at the venue since 1998.