There were plenty of showstoppers and not a soggy bottom in sight as bakers once again rose to the occasion in this year’s Great Wellingborough Bake Off.
Ben Frazer, who appeared on the popular BBC show The Great British Bake Off as a contestant, was on hand to judge the town’s own version of the TV competition, which saw more than 50 entries.
The cakes, which were displayed in a special marquee erected in Gloucester Place on Saturday, were sold off to raise funds for the Rotary Club of Wellingborough.
The competition was organised by the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) – which is paid for by businesses and works to promote the town centre – through its Discover Wellingborough campaign.
Ben, who competed in the second series of the smash hit TV show, now runs the Cake Artisan bakery on Adnitt Road in Northampton, said: “The standard has been really good, much higher than I was expecting. Everyone that took part should keep on baking.”
The categories included 12 identical cupcakes/fairy cakes/muffins, tray bake, under 12s, gluten free and a novelty Halloween theme. Every winner also received a rolling pin trophy and a specially made Wellingborough Bake Off apron.
The Foster family had a double celebration, with mum Sue scooping the gluten free prize and 10-year-old daughter Charlotte winning the under 12s category. Charlotte said: “I worked really hard and I’m really pleased about winning.”
Sue Neighbour, from Irthlingborough, who won the Halloween category, said: “I have been baking for years and this is my first competition, so to win is a massive achievement for me.”
Identical cakes winner Sharon Hales, also from Irthlingborough, said: “This is the third year I’ve entered and the first time I have won.”
Erika Bryant, from Little Harrowden, who triumphed in the tray bake section, said: “It was fantastic to win. It’s nice to have something like this locally.”
Wellingborough mayor councillor Barry Graves judged the competition. He said: “The BID does a lot of wonderful work to promote the town with events.”
John Cable, Manager of the Wellingborough BID, which stages events to promote the town centre, said: “Not only did the Great Wellingborough Bake Off showcase excellent baking talent, but it also provided another reason to visit our vibrant town centre.”