Great British Bake Off star Iain Watters creates Bakewell Alaska for town’s baking festival

He whipped up support with his Bakewell Alaska - a confection of frangipane, ice cream, cherries and Italian meringue - during a demonstration at the Bakewell Baking Festival this afternoon (Saturday).

Iain said it was his homage to the Bake Off programme which he exited in dramatic fashion last year when he dumped his Baked Alaska in the bin.

Claire Goodwin, the first contestant to be be booted off last year’s show, talked the audience through Iain’s cookery demonstration, sharing handy tips and stories about the Great British Bake Off.

Crowds in the packed marquee swooped on Iain’s unique confection as he posed for photos and signed autographs.

This weekend’s festival at Bakewell Showground is dedicated to all things baking and vintage.

Thousands of people from all over the country flocked to the showground this afternoon including a kilt-wearing stag party dressed as characters from the film Braveheart. The groom Peter Vanns, has flown in from Sydney, Australia, to get married in West Peckham next weekend. His best man Freddie Russell-Flint said: “He has always wanted to go to Scotland, hence the kilts, but we thought it would be fun to come here. We have done a pottery class in Baked Well and tonight we’re going to watch England V France at The Gate in Tansley.”

Michelle Dransfield of Huddersfield and her two friends were dolled up to the nines in retro dresses. They were at the festival to mark the first anniversary of Michelle’s hen do which was held at Monyash. She said: “ We love baking, we love cakes, we love vintage and we love dressing up.”

The fun continues at Bakewell Showground this evening with a comedy show headlined by Barbara Nice in the festival marquee, starting at 7.30pm.

Celebrity bakers Ed Kimber and Stacie Stewart are among the attractions at the festival tomorrow.