A MARKET town is spreading the word about its plans to host its first ever World Jam Festival next year.

The organisers of the new festival in Helmsley next September are on a quest to find the world’s best jam-maker and entries are opening in the spring.

The festival will celebrate the glories of one of most enduring and popular sweet treats as well as providing a stage for Steampunk fans to indulge their love of eccentric Victorian costumes.

Jam-makers can get creative with competition categories such as 'Tipsy' for preserves that include a hint of alcohol; 'Exotic' for flavours that go beyond the normal; and a special Under 20s category to find the next generation jam-making talent.

The judges will include respected Yorkshire restaurateurs such as Andrew Pern from The Star at Harome and Frances Atkins from the Yorke Arms in Nidderdale.

The jam entries will be on display in Helmsley Walled Garden and other festival activities will include afternoon tea with the Mad Hatter at The Feathers hotel and biscuit-dunking competitions.

Musical entertainment will add to the occasion as well as the opportunity to simply sit and soak up the atmosphere as Steampunk fans stride out in costume. Helmsley Lido will be judging the best Steampunk swimming costume while those donning Alice in Wonderland outfits will stand a chance of winning a fancy dress prize at the Walled Garden.

The Helmsley Rural Arts Centre will also be involved in the programme of activities.

The Festival is the brainchild of Anna Lupton, owner of Carr House Farm Bed & Breakfast at Ampleforth, who believes the genteel market town of Helmsley is the perfect setting for celebrating a foodstuff that is a staple ingredient in kitchens worldwide.

She explains: “Jam was made as far as back as the 1st century AD and as in other rural areas the North York Moors still has its fair share of talented jam makers who like nothing better than using homegrown produce to create great preserves that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, cakes, scones or add a new dimension to savoury dishes.

“Steampunkers are also very partial to a good afternoon tea and tea duelling competitions so it made sense to open up the occasion to the legion of fans who will create a great spectacle for visitors.”

The competition will open for entries from 4 May which coincides with Alice in Wonderland’s birthday.

For more competition and visitor information go to worldjamfestival.com - Alice in Wonderland's birthday.