THIS year’s Australian-themed Food & Drink Festival at Longleat, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday (June 22-23) is set to be the most ambitious to date.

Celebrating the recent opening of Koala Creek, and now in its third year, the Festival showcases the finest local produce while also celebrating international cuisine.

Headlining the live cooking demonstrations in the Wiltshire stately home’s Longhouse will be Australian chef and TV presenter, John Torode.

John will be cooking a range of dishes from Spaghetti with Prawns, Macadamias and Pavlova, Proper Steak with Swiss Chard and Anchovies to Singapore Style Crab with Sambal, Corn Cakes and Smashed Avo (Sydney Sider).

Emma, Viscountess Weymouth, who is an enthusiastic cook herself, will be joining John on stage to assist with his live cooking demonstrations and has curated a special Luxury Afternoon Tea in the Great Hall of Longleat House.

Mr Torode will also be joined by Devon-based chef, writer and TV presenter Tim Maddams, from the River Cottage TV series and Paul Da Costa Greaves, of the BBC Good Food shows, who will be demonstrating live cooking on the Outdoor Demo Stage.

Market Street will be alive with the sights and smells of more than 40 different stallholders and their delicious dishes and drinks.

Delights range from the authentic flavours of the African Safari Kitchen to the fire-based Mexican vibrancy of Whiteheat Streetfood.

Get into the spirit of the festival with a range of cider, craft beer, real ale, prosecco and fizz cocktails including Lord Bath’s Cider, Bluestone Vineyards and Hullabaloos Lemonade.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat there’s homemade cakes, luxury flapjacks, steamed puddings, ice cream and a scone van on offer from the likes of Holly Made Cakes, Flapjackery and Roskilly.

For those looking to take a piece of the festival home with them, there’s plenty to choose from with chilli sauces, marmalades, wines, cheese and much more on offer.

Listen to live music from more than 20 acts with talented solo artists and bands on the Music Stage including Mr Tea and the Minions, Ali George, Avalon Highway, Harlem Rhythm Cats, Daydream Runaways and Just 3 Harmony.

Highlighting the Festival’s Anitpodean theme there will be sets from Adelaide-based sisters, Germein, who have recently been touring with Little Mix as well as Kylie on Show - a tribute act, Johnny Cope playing the didgeridoo and The Botanicals – Aussie Anthems Hour.

The festival also features fairground rides including a big wheel, swing boats, teacups and coconut shy as well as crazy golf and a classic car display.

The Food & Drink Festival is included in Longleat’s Day Ticket so you can also enjoy the thrill of the Safari Park, the Jungle Cruise, magnificent mazes and all the other attractions plus don’t miss the chance to pop into Koala Creek to meet these iconic marsupials.