THE UK's first children's food festival is one of many events planned to celebrate Oxfordshire's 1,000th anniversary next year.

The festival will see celebrity chefs such as Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson give children and their parents a fresh perspective on healthy eating.

Staff from a number of Oxfordshire's restaurants and local farmers will also be taking part.

The festival is due to take place on July 14 and 15 at the Northmoor Trust's conservation farm near Wittenham Clumps, ten miles south of Oxford, and is being organised by Oxford Inspires, the county's cultural development agency.

It is one of about 40 special events planned around the county to mark the county's 1,000th anniversary.

A festival spokesman said: "The aim of the festival is to transform young people's approach to food and to give children and parents a fresh perspective on healthy eating.

"Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson lead a strong line-up of chefs, restaurants and farmers who are taking part.

"The festival will be free and the approach will be creative, participatory and humorous."

There will be six "field to fork" marquees which will form the centrepiece of the festival, showcasing meat, dairy items, fruit and vegetables, bread, honey and herbs and spices.

There will also be a walkabout theatre, farm animals and rare breeds, a medieval feast and a farmers' market of local, organic and Fairtrade produce.

  • To find out more about Oxfordshire's 1,000th anniversary, celebrations visit the website www.oxfordshire2007.com