Vegas glamour to come to county for Shobdon's famed weekend of food and flying

The festival, spread over the weekend of July 1 and 2, brings together a feast of food and entertainment as well as some spectacular aerodynamics in the skies above Shobdon.

To kick off the event, there will be music and song presented in homage to the legendary Rat Pack. Sammy Davies Jr, played by ITV Central weather presenter Des Coleman, will be joined on stage by entertainers giving voice to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and icons of Sixties’ cool.

Des explains how the show is still “going down a storm” around the world. “The music is so timeless, that’s why audiences love it so much.

“The dancing girls just add that bit of Vegas glamour!”

Des, who worked in the West End and starred in Eastenders, will be joined over the festival weekend by star of the Great British Bake Off, Howard Middleton, who headlines the event’s cooking demonstrations. Howard was one of the stand-out characters during the programme’s series four.

He also appeared in last year’s Christmas special and had the final word on the show before switching from the BBC to Channel 4 later this year.

Organisers also promise a fantastic line up of aviation attractions with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performing two flypasts on the Sunday, and a host of vintage aircraft expected at the historic WW2 airfield during the weekend. Simulators, trial flights, gliders, helicopter rides plus guided tours of classic aircraft add to what has become one of the county’s premier events.

Coming back to earth, the festival’s food side will feature 50 of the region’s finest producers with flavours from Japan, Thailand, Spain, Italy and the very best Herefordshire has to offer, plus a packed arts and crafts marquee.

On top of that there will be classic cars and more live music.

Advance tickets for the concert can be booked at £5.

For more information visit shobdonfoodandflyingfestival.co.uk