THOUSANDS of young cooks will be cooking up a storm at a festival of food this weekend.

Children’s Food Festival director Eka Morgan, 43, from East Oxford, said she hoped visitors would top 16,000 – the number who came along to the inaugural festival two years ago.

There will be activities for all ages, including open fire cooking, sushi rolling and demonstrations by chocolatiers. Other highlights include bicycle-powered smoothie-making.

Ms Morgan said: “No unaccompanied adults are allowed – we want lots of children! It’s going to be very hands-on.

“There are a lot of celebrity chefs on the television, but it’s largely a spectator’s sport.

“Meals are still being rushed. I am not suggesting people can or should take hours preparing meals, but young people can get into good habits by planning and thinking ahead.”

Actress Greta Scacchi will be arguing the pros and cons of celebrity endorsement in a debate on Sunday.

Meanwhile, celebrity chefs including Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson – both patrons of the festival – will be encouraging children to get their hands dirty and experience the thrill of cooking and growing food.

Restaurant owner Mr Blanc said: “It's so wonderful to watch children and their families exploring new tastes at the festival. They reconnect with the seasons and discover how joyful and creative cooking can be.”

The event organised by the Northmoor Trust, is being held at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, on Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.

Entrance is £10 per car on the gate, £3 per adult from Didcot Parkway railway station, £3 per adult on foot or bicycle. All activities are free.

For exact directions, visit childrensfoodfestival.co.uk