Celebrity chefs Mary Berry and John Torode and CBeebies’ Katy Ashworth head for Chatsworth

The presenter of I Can Cook, the CBeebies flagship series which encourages children under six to get cooking, will be playing fun and silly games on Friday, September 4.

After each of her three performances - at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm - Katy will be out and about meeting children, answering their questions, signing autographs and taking photos.

Katy is just one of the ingredients that will make for a great family day out at Chatsworth Country Fair, which once again is delivering great value with children under 14 getting in free.

Fans of the Great British Bake-Off will be able to see Mary Berry, who is returning for the third year to demonstrate her cookery skills on September 5.

TV presenter and chef John Torode will share dishes from his new book, ‘My Kind of Food’, which is due out next month. He will be carrying out demonstrations on September 6.

Youngsters are in for a treat as a big feature of the fair is the chance to see lots of animals, and get up close with plenty of handling sessions. Animal Encounters will bring all sorts of furry friends and exotic breeds . Look out for the chance to meet meerkats, foxes, owls, a skunk, snakes and spiders.

Bringing the family dog along? Children can show off their best friend and put pooch through its paces in the ‘Scruffs’ Family Fun Dog Show.

with special categories for Best Child Handler (under 12); Dog with the Waggiest Tail and Best Rescue Dog. Competitions are held from 2pm onwards on Saturday and Sunday.

For animals in action, check out the Pony Club Mounted Games opening up the entertainment in the Grand Ring plus a thrilling performance from the Essex Dog Display Team. Out in the showground, look out for ferret racing and the chance to see magnificent birds of prey up close.

Active children can test their skills on the Low Ropes course, with its series of activity challenges to suit all ages and abilities. There are lots of chances for families to have fun together and learn a new skill too with expert tuition, from fishing on the River Derwent to Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting and Archery, or try their aim on the Crossbow and Air Rifle ranges.

A popular favourite with all ages is the old time fairground, with its classic rides from the Helter Skelter; Chair-O-Plane, Gallopers and Big Wheel. Around the showground, look out for lots more entertainment from target golf; pony rides; bungee trampolines and climbing walls.