Following the huge success of this year’s event, the 2019 theme will be “From the Land” with focus on sustainability and wider issues such as Brexit, crowd funding, local heroes and ‘Mums in the kitchen’.

The June date also reflects pre-harvest, in-line with the chosen venue.

Founded in 2012 by Lee Maycock, Ian Nottage and John Feeney (all Craft Guild committee members at the time).

Designed by chefs, for chefs, the festival moves around the UK each year, taking the event directly to chefs in different locations across the country. It is an excellent opportunity for foodservice professionals to network and to listen to the thoughts and experiences of other influential people.

UCFF director Ian Nottage said: “We are very excited to be heading to Northampton with UCFF 2019.

“We always try to tackle industry topics and have historically explored subjects such as obesity, mental health, disability and equality in professional kitchens.

“Next year, sustainability will be high on the agenda, with industry experts taking to the stage to share their experience and knowledge. Particularly in light of the current issues around the use of single use plastics in the hospitality industry.

“Indeed the choice of Bottom Farm (home of Farrington oils) demonstrates UCFF’s commitment to sustainability, as this is at the very heart of how they produce their rapeseed oil.

“Duncan Farrington is a passionate farmer who understands the importance of working with nature for a sustainable future, whether it be a ‘no plough’ ethos on the farm to improve soil fertility and reduce CO2 emissions, to the use of solar panels, or adopting bee friendly methods of growing crops.”

As always, the 2019 festival will include an eclectic mix of demonstrations, workshops, foraging, farm tours and live debates. The farm tour will include a demonstration of rapeseed oil as well as a factory visit.

New for next year is a game stage, which will feature deer and rabbit skinning, falconry and the chance for clay pigeon shooting.

Farrington Oils managing director, Duncan Farrington added: “Hosting the 2019 UCFF is a fantastic honour for Farrington Oils. We can’t wait to welcome industry leading chefs and producers to Bottom Farm for a superb culinary experience.

“We’ll be offering visitors unique insight into how we produce our award-winning Mellow Yellow Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil during what is sure to be a brilliant day.”

Nottage concludes: “As well as being a fun day out for chefs and foodies alike, education is at the heart of UCFF.

“We believe that by chefs meeting and talking to farmers, growers, foragers, fishermen and industry experts in so many fields, they can learn so much, particularly about sustainability.

“Hopefully they can then take some of those learning’s back to their own kitchens to help them become even more sustainable in their day-to-day working lives.”

2019 ticket price is £120 +VAT. This includes food and drink throughout the day (breakfast, lunch and refreshments), along with a BBQ and evening entertainment.

Early bird ticket price: £99 +VAT. Offer ends 31st March 2019.