Independent bakers in the north of England and as far afield as Scotland and Devon have registered to attend the latest in the Bakers’ Fair series of regional roadshows, taking place at Bolton Arena on October 14.

The one-day fair brings together a host of specialised bakery exhibitors, including millers, ingredients manufacturers, machinery suppliers, drinks companies, wholesalers and other key service suppliers.

It will be an ideal opportunity for visitors to catch up with peers in the region and around the country and also pick up new ideas on trends and innovations in the ever-evolving bakery market.

And for the first time in 2007, the Richemont Club of Great Britain, which has a membership of top craft bakers and confectioners, will be holding its annual competition at the Fair, and hosting a live competition during the day.

Members of the Club will be baking up their finest efforts for judging in 20 classes, ranging from fresh creams to Christmas novelties, with newly introduced classes for young bakers.

team competition

The live competition and demonstration will see five teams of two competing for the President’s Cup, which will be presented to the team that does the best job of decorating a three-tier sugarpaste wedding cake.

Richemont members Peter Herd Cakes (Wilmslow), Slattery’s Patissier and Chocolatier (Manchester), Chatwins of Nantwich, Classic Celebration Cakes (Cheshire) and Christopher Rose (Sheffield) have all put forward teams.

Richemont president Trevor Mooney (pictured) tells British Baker that, with entries due in shortly, he hopes a record number of entrants will show off their talents in the various classes, including the new under-21 classes. These, aimed at student and trainee bakers and those at the beginning of their careers, include Four Fruit Scones and One Round Pizza.

Mooney says: "We are very excited to be holding our annual competition alongside Bakers’ Fair for the first time. We are expecting a record number of entries again. Last year at our competition in Manchester we had 210. With the competition being held on a Sunday, more people should be able to get to it."

But if you want to take part, hurry. Entries need to be in to Kevin Pearce at Chatwins by 26 September. See [http://www.bakersfair.co.uk] for full details.

The Bakers Fair North West follows on from the successful Edinburgh Bakers’ Fair, held last October. It opens from 9.30am to 4pm. You can still register to attend for free on the website [http://www.bakersfair.co.uk], or by calling 01792 365906. n

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