The first-ever Cornish Pasty Week is set to take place from Sunday 25 February to Saturday 3 March. 

Organised by the Cornish Pasty Association, the week will culminate in the ‘Oggy Oscars’ – the seventh annual World Pasty Championships – to be held at the Eden Project, Cornwall. The competition comprises several categories, including professional, amateur and junior Cornish pasties and gluten-free versions.

The week will include a social media campaign using the hashtag #pastysmile, while members of the association will work with local community groups and schools to spread the skills used in creating Cornish pasties.

“It’s about time the Cornish Pasty gets a whole week to itself, for people to celebrate, enjoy and indulge in its deliciously unique reputation and heritage, and I’m delighted we have been able to bring this idea to life,” said Jason Jobling, chair of the Cornish Pasty Association.

“This humble dish may have its origins down the Cornish mines, but it is now worth over £300m to the local economy and is, without doubt, one of the nation’s favourite foods.”

Cornish pasties have protected geographical indication status meaning only products which meet strict specifications can be labelled as such.