MORE THAN 20,000 people are expected to sample some of Oxford’s finest food at the fourth annual Foodies Festival.

There will be 150 food and drink stalls at the festival in South Park, on Headington Hill, from Saturday, August 24, to Bank Holiday Monday, August 26.

One stall is the chef’s theatre with masterclasses from Michelin-starred chef Gary Jones (Saturday 1-2pm), author of award-winning cook book Everybody Everyday Alex Mackay (Sunday 2-3pm) and Max Mason of Big Bang restaurant (Monday 3-4pm).

Mr Mackay said: “I will be doing dishes from my book called Adventures with Ingredients.

“It’s about showing people what they can do with little changes to ingredients in everyday meals.

“Last year there was a lot of enthusiasm and kids got involved which was great.”

This year’s features include a cake and chocolate theatre where people can take part in displays of chocolate truffle making.

Another new stall is the barbecue arena which has barbecue classes and man versus meat competitions where contestants cook meat and have 60 seconds to eat it. The crowd decides the winner.

There is also a street food avenue stall, a drinks theatre which includes beer and wine tastings and a children’s cookery stand.

The festival also includes pop-up bars. One will be from the Crown pub, off Cornmarket Street, Oxford, whose staff will show off Nicholson’s pale ale.

Gary Anderson, of the festival, said: “Last year we had just under 20,000 people. We grow each year.”

The fourth Foodies Festival runs across the Bank Holiday weekend and opening hours are 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday and Monday.

Tickets cost £12 for an adult day ticket and £10 for concessions.

A three-day adult pass costs £18 and £15 for concessions and one-day VIP tickets, which include the cost of the chef’s theatre, cost £38. To book online, click here.