Patisserie princes and dessert divas have been called to put their cooking skills to the test in the ultimate LGBT baking contest next month.
The Village Bakers are hoping that those who are a dab hand in the kitchen will rise to the occasion and deliver their best homemade treats for the Great Village Bake Off 2014.
Aspiring Mary Berrys and wannabe Paul Hollywoods will be judged by the wacky and wonderful Howard Middleton, who blew judges away with his innovative creations on last year’s Great British Bake Off.
Howard said: “I’m delighted to be part of this year’s Great Village Bake Off. It promises to be great fun and a fab fund raiser.
“Hopefully we’ll make it through the event without any baking puns and innuendo. Oh, who am I kidding? Come along and let me judge your buns!”
This year the contest on August 17 is part of the Manchester Fringe festivities and will be held at The Molly House on Richmond Street.
The stylish tapas bar, tea room and ale house regularly play host to the Village Bakers, who meet and eat together every month.
Paul Duffy, manager of The Molly House, said: “The Molly House is delighted once again to support The Great Village Bake Off which is a showcase for The Village Bakers, a hugely popular community and social group.
He added: “I cannot wait to sample more ingenious baking creations at this year’s event!”
Last year’s Village bake off was a real hit, with categories like tartiest tart and best rainbow cake going down a storm.
This year the competition has taken a more minimalist approach as people can enter a sweet or savoury offering of their choice, allowing imaginations to run wild.
The Village Bakers are a group of likeminded people from the LGBT community who love to bake, try new things and meet new people. Over the last year the membership of the group has risen as baking fever continues to engulf the country.
Chair of Village Bakers, Kevin Sargent, said: “Village Bakers are proud to be hosting The Great Village Bake Off in its second year at the Manchester Pride Fringe Festival.
“This is a real opportunity to bring the LGBT community together to share a slice of cake with new and old friends.
“We are also extremely pleased to have Howard Middleton the BBC Great British Bake Off Finalist on hand to be checking for soggy bottoms!!”
To enter the competition click here http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/village-bakers-great-village-bake-off-tickets-12197538165
Main image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, inset courtesy of Tim Ebbs, with thanks.
