TV chef James Martin joins the Pub in the Park line-up with Tom Kerridge in Tunbridge Wells

Published: 12:06, 26 January 2020 | Updated: 14:45, 13 February 2020

TV chef James Martin will be hosting the food and drink festival Pub in the Park when it returns to Tunbridge Wells this summer.

One of the nation’s favourite chefs, James has presented cookery programmes on TV for more than 20 years, including his current Saturday Morning Show & American Adventure, Saturday Kitchen, Home Comforts and James Martin’s French Adventure, as well as publishing 19 best-selling cookbooks; an autobiography and a column for the Daily Mail’s Weekend Magazine.

James Martin will host in Tunbridge Wells Picture: Will Stanley

He is among a top line-up for the foodie festival, which also features live music, and will be held at Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells in July, for the third year.

Founder, TV chef Tom Kerridge, said: “I am so proud of what Pub in the Park has become - a coming together of the best chefs in the business, a celebration of incredible food topped off with an ace music line-up where you can create amazing memories with family and friends – it’s my idea of the perfect day out.”

Last year's attracted thousands to enjoy food laid on by some of the county's award-winning chefs, as well as music from Rick Astley, Will Young and KT Tunstall.

The aim of the event is for a relaxed and intimate gathering; supporting and celebrating local talent, as well as presenting some of the biggest names in food and music, with each venue seeing Michelin-starred and award-winning pubs and restaurants serving tasting dishes showing their signature style.

James Martin joins the Pub in the Park line-up Picture: Will Stanley

James will host the festival at Dunorlan Park, which runs from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, which will also feature the likes of the Tanner Brothers, who run the Kentish Hare, and Will Devlin, who leads the Smallholding kitchen at Kilndown and Atul Kochhar, who has recently opened Vaasu.