'Food Oscars' ceremony comes to NEC

Sheila Dillon, from Radio 4's The Food Programme, will host the event.

Some of the biggest names in the culinary world will be at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre for a night of celebration of British food.

Described by the chef Jamie Oliver as "the Oscars of the food world", the BBC Food & Farming Awards focus on the country's best produce and those that make it.

The event, in its 11th year, will be held on Wednesday, 24 November.

Chefs Raymond Blanc, Angela Hartnett and Mark Hix will be among the guests.

All the finalists have been nominated by the public in a variety of categories including Best Food Market, Best Takeaway, Best Food Producer and BBC Farmer of the Year.

The winners will be announced at the ceremony at 2pm at the NEC with the event recorded for broadcast as part of a special edition of The Food Programme on Radio 4 on Friday, 26 November.

Tickets for the ceremony are being allocated via a random draw. They are free and include entry to the NEC.

More information can be found by visiting the BBC ticketing website.

Applications for tickets can be made up until 11pm on Friday, 12 November.