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Low Wood Bay pastry chef Jibin Thomas created a scale-size gingerbread replica of the popular Lake Windermere hotel in the Lake District which is hosting The Gingerbread House Festival 20–22 November

Professional bakers, confectioners and chefs in Cumbria are being urged to compete for £1500 cash prizes by creating show-stopping gingerbread houses.

The £1000 winner and £500 runner-up awards – provided by leading wholesale food suppliers Caterite and Bidfood – are supporting The Gingerbread House Festival being held in the Lake District in November.

Joanne, Hunter, co-director of Grasmere Gingerbread® and organiser of the event, announced that Caterite is sponsoring the £1000 winner’s prize in the Culinary Professional category of The Gingerbread House Festival.

“It is a very generous amount and we are very grateful for their sponsorship,” she said.

“Of course, Caterite is already widely-known and respected for championing food, innovation and craftsmanship.

“Similarly, the £500 runner-up cash prize from Bidfood is much appreciated and reflects their passion for good food.

“I hope that these generous cash awards will encourage culinary professionals from Cumbria to enter The Gingerbread House Festival and give it the wow factor.”

Taking place at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa overlooking Lake Windermere on the weekend of November 20–22, The Gingerbread House Festival challenges bakers, confectioners and chefs to reimagine the classic gingerbread house design.

The event is raising money for Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity.

From traditional country cottages, elegant stately homes and global cultural landmarks to famous pieces of brutalist architecture, iconic modes of transport or even ‘emergency’ accommodation, The Gingerbread House Festival will showcase all kinds of ‘gingerbread house’ designs.

Beth Evans, Head of Sales at Caterite, said her company was “delighted” to support an event celebrating gingerbread which is an iconic part of Cumbria’s food heritage.

“The Gingerbread House Festival brings together an incredible range of talent – from schoolchildren taking their first steps in baking and design through to experienced professionals showcasing their creativity and skill,” she said.

Cumbrian baker John Crouch created Ambleside’s famous Bridge House from gingerbread

“It’s wonderful to see a competition that inspires people of all ages to get involved and the enthusiasm and imagination shown by the entrants perfectly reflects the spirit of our industry.

“That the Gingerbread House Festival is also raising for Shelter, the charity for housing and homelessness, makes it even more worthwhile.

Andy Pearson, Head of Business Development at Bidfood, was “delighted” to help bring “such a fantastic event” to the Lake District.

“At Bidfood, we’re passionate about supporting the businesses, communities and charities that make Cumbria such a special place,” he said.

“Our relationship with Low Wood Bay is a long-standing one, and it’s fantastic to see that partnership continue through to The Gingerbread House Festival.

“We look forward to seeing it become a standout event in the Cumbrian calendar.”

To enter and find out more about The Gingerbread House Festival please visit: www.gingerbreadhousefestival.com