Up to 1,000 people from Cumbria and beyond are expected to flock to a gluten free food fayre in Penrith this weekend.

It will be the 13th year Coeliac UK’s North, East and West Cumbria Voluntary Support Group have held the event.

In that time it has grown to be one of the biggest events of its type in the country, growing each year.

The event is aimed at those with coeliac disease, following a gluten free diet or with other dietary requirements.

It will take place at Penrith Leisure Centre on Saturday, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

A wide range of products will be available to buy, with many suppliers promoting special offers on their products.

Local celebrity chef John Crouch will also be holding cookery demonstrations throughout the day, while the leisure centre cafe will be going fully gluten free for the day, with all its menu choices suitable for those with coeliac disease.

Jean Foster, of Coeliac UK’s North, East and West Cumbria Voluntary Support Group, said that the event has been growing steadily every year since it was first launched.

“This is our 13th year. We started off at Ullswater Community College but after six years we had outgrown that venue.

“We then went to Rheged for three years. It was a great venue but there wasn’t enough parking, so we moved to Carlisle Racecourse for two years. Again, great venue but we couldn’t afford the hire charge.

“We then moved back to Penrith – this time to the Leisure Centre – last year. It’s the best venue so far it has everything we need, including the best access in terms of road links.”

Entry to the food fayre is £1, with all tickets going into a draw for gluten free hampers and vouchers.

During the day there will be approximately 40 manufacturers, including several Cumbrian traders, selling their products.

The majority will be handing out tasters and samples of gluten free products so those attending can try before they buy.

As well as gluten free, many traders also offer products suitable for those who can’t eat dairy, nuts, egg and other allergens.

Coeliac disease is an auto immune condition caused by the body’s reaction to gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

It can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, unless a strict gluten-free diet is followed for life.

Mrs Foster, who lives in Maryport, is a coeliac herself and works as an adviser to those newly diagnosed with the condition.

She said the event is a chance for people to find tasty gluten free alternatives that aren’t always available in supermarkets.

Local dieticians and representatives from Coeliac UK will also be on hand to answer questions.