Village Bakers Announce Star-Studded Celebrity Judging Panel For Inaugural Great Village Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite and Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine join Manchester Pride Patron Claire Mooney on the judging panel of the Village Bakers’ first annual Great Village Bake Off at The Molly House on Richmond Street this Sunday 18 August, whilst raising money for the Manchester Pride Community Fund.

John Whaite triumphed in the 2012 series of BBC2′s The Great British Bake Off. He has had an obsession with baking and cooking since he was a tiny boy, and has developed this passion into a career. He is extremely excited to be leading the judging, and keen to share his baking knowledge with the Village Bakers and Manchester’s LGBT community. Originally from Wigan, the local lad is looking forward to returning to his roots and supporting Manchester Pride, which is a cause close to his heart.

Manchester born-and-bred actress, comedian and owner of Annie’s restaurant in Manchester city centre, Jennie McAlpine joins John on the judging panel. She is best known for her long-running role as Fiona ‘Fiz’ Stape in ITV’s Coronation Street, and is looking forward to attending.

Claire Mooney, foodie, singer-songwriter, and Patron of Manchester Pride is delighted to complete the line-up.

Kevin Sargent of the Village Bakers said “We’re ecstatic to have John, Jennie and Claire judging this year’s Great Village Bake Off, sponsored by our friends at The Molly House, helping to raise vital funds for local LGBT charities and projects whilst displaying their culinary knowledge in judging the entries.”

Paul Duffy, a member of the Village Bakers and general manager of The Molly House said “I’m delighted that we are hosting the first Great Village Bake Off, and to have such an esteemed judging panel attending. The Village Bakers as a social group has, in a very short time, become an extremely large, well-subscribed group with participants enthusiastically presenting their baked creations each month. Any money raised during the year from contributions given by our customers eating the Village Bakers’ wares goes to support small local charities, so the Great Village Bake Off is truly a showcase of the Village Bakers achievements all year round.”

Manchester Pride chief executive John Stewart added “A brilliant event which pulls together all sections of the community, not only does The Great Village Bake Off embody the original ethos of Manchester Pride, but also all of the proceeds raised will go directly to help local LGBT causes.”

The Great Village Bake Off takes place this Sunday 18 August at The Molly House, Richmond Street, Manchester. More details are available at www.manchesterpride.com