James Sherwin to appear at Market Drayton festival

James Sherwin, who appeared on the Channel 4 show The Taste alongside Nigella Lawson and was a contestant on MasterChef, will be involved in two events during Market Drayton's Ginger and Spice Festival.

The 38-year-old father of four, from Whitchurch, takes his inspiration from the Nordic style of cooking and uses locally-sourced produce from allotments, market gardens, local producers and farmers.

The first event he will be appearing at is a wild spice pop-up restaurant at a secret location just outside Market Drayton at 7pm on Friday, September 29.

Tickets are £55 per person and include a seven course meal, showcasing British alternatives to spices. The location is revealed to each diner when tickets are purchased.

James, who has also worked at Shrewsbury's Henry Tudor House, on Wyle Cop, and House of the Rising Sun, on Butcher Row, will playing a prominent role at the event and will be introducing each course, with the tasting notes, throughout the evening.

The other event is a wild Shropshire foraging walk in Market Drayton on Saturday, September 30 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

James will lead a guided walk around the town teaching participants how to find and identify seasonal and edible plants, plus, he will also give cooking tips along the way.

The meeting point will be at the entrance to St Mary’s Church. This event is ticketed and must be booked and paid in advance.

Email gingerandspicefest@gmail.com to book a place for either events or call 07989 980016. Places are limited so immediate booking is advised.

James said: "I am delighted to be taking part in a festival which celebrates the local culinary heritage on one of Shropshire’s most fantastic foodie towns, Market Drayton.

"The first annual Ginger and Spice Festival in Market Drayton will celebrate the local heritage connections of spices and I will be educating visitors about British alternatives which can be found in hedgerows and along canal banks.

“I hope we find some local gastronomic treasure as well as having some fun along the way."

Julia Roberts, event organiser, said: "We are delighted to be working closely with James Sherwin at the Ginger and Spice Festival.

“James is extremely knowledgeable about local terroir, plants and herbs. He is an expert in his field and passionate about what he does. James’s approach to food and cooking is well positioned for this festival, which also aims to educate people about the health benefits of spices and local foods."

The Ginger and Spice Festival is a brand new food and drink festival celebrating the culinary, heritage and historical links of spices, food and gingerbread, to the town of Market Drayton.

It will be taking place from September 27 to 30. The aim is to grow the festival and for it to be an annual event.