With four shows in four new venues, the Cake & Bake Show is bigger than ever this year, and includes a BAKING COMPETITION on the theme of ‘Children’s Stories’ taking place at each of the venues: Harrogate, London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

The Cake & Bake Show is calling on all cake makers to create a fabulous cake that is an interpretation of a children’s story. Each cake creation can be inspired from any children’s story or film, (there’s lots of inspiration in the cinemas this summer with new releases Minion, Peter Pan and Jurassic Park); or it can be a combination of your favourite characters or stories from over the years!

Entries are invited in these categories:

• Professional: Someone who has been professionally trained or runs a cake business.
• Semi-Professional: Someone who makes cakes on a semi-professional basis e.g for friends or family
• Amateur: Must not have been employed or engaged in any way with a bakery or cupcake business, such as home bakers and those looking to develop their baking hobby.
• Junior (3) – There are three categories within this group for young bakers: under 6, 7-12 and 13-18.

There will be celebrity judges presiding over the competitions at each venue, including: Master Patissier Eric Lanlard, TV chef Rosemary Shrager and Great British Bake Off champion, John Whaite.

There are no height restrictions on the cakes. Awards will be given for display and taste, or display only. Cakes may be covered in any suitable edible material and sugar sprays may include wires, tape, ribbon and stamen.

Entry is easy: simply upload your ideas and a sketch or photograph the Cake & Bake Show website. The deadline for the Harrogate show in June has sadly already passed, but the deadline for London, Manchester and Edinburgh is 18 August.

I’m not the world’s greatest baker and seriously bad at decorating, so you won’t see me entering I’m afraid, but if you are a keen baker I encourage you to take part – and do let me know how you get on!