Organisers of the Christmas gift and food fair at Ely Cathedral are promising something even bigger and more spectacular than last year’s highly successful inaugural event.

Cambs Times: Chef Alex Mackay will demonstrate at the festivalChef Alex Mackay will demonstrate at the festival (Image: Archant)

The fair takes place on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16, with opening hours between 9.30am to 4.30pm and late night shopping on Friday between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

More than 100 gift stalls will be situated inside the magnificent mediaeval building, as well as additional exhibitors, including specialists cheeses, oils, chocolates and locally brewed beverages, in the festive food hall in the 13th century Lady Chapel

Lesley Ann Thompson, marketing and development for Ely Cathedral said: “We were delighted with the event last year and we want to make it even more exciting and spectacular for shoppers and visitors this year.

“We have made room for plenty of new exhibitors, introduced additional cooking and floral demonstrations and have organised some very special ‘added’ attractions”.

The festival will include seasonal cookery demonstrations and tips by celebrity chef Alex Mackay (Good Food Channel, Ready Steady Cook) and a talk by well-known cook, writer and Sunday Telegraph columnist Diana Henry, who will be revealing her favourite food writers and Christmas recipes. In addition there will be cookery displays by several local chefs including Tim Hayward from Fitzbillies in Cambridge.

To complete the programme of activities, members from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies from across the Eastern region will hold seasonal floral workshops.

On the Saturday, children can enjoy a ride on a vintage carousel and meet some Christmas elves and reindeer and Reindeer.

Entry costs £2.50 and children are admitted free. Tickets for a preview evening on November 14 cost £5 including a glass of mulled win and must be purchased in advance.