The Inter Madrassah Organisation (IMO) is hosting its first ever community celebration of vegetarian food. 

The free event is open to vegetarians, doubters, meat eaters and the ‘not-so-sure’ and will take place on Monday May 7 at Revidge Fold United Reform Church on Shear Brow, Blackburn.

MasterChef finalist Moonira Hinglotwala has kindly agreed to judge the Great Vegetarian Bake Off competition. 

The free to enter competition is asking entrants to bake a cake which represents a vegetable or fruit.

This might be demonstrated by the shape and/or decoration or it may include ingredients which are vegetable or fruit in nature.

Each cake must be submitted with the recipe and marked as halal/non-halal and the recipe may be chosen to be incorporated into a recipe book to be compiled after the event. 

After the winner is announced the cakes will then be available for the public to taste.

The main event will be a variety of tasty and exciting vegetarian dishes prepared by local businesses and community organisations for people to taste. 

Ann Hedley of IMO said, “We’re so privileged to have gained funding from the National Vegetarian Society to bring this along to the people of Blackburn. National Vegetarian Week is 14th – 20th May and coincides with Ramadan this year. 

“We want to show people that vegetarian food isn’t all baked potatoes and salads and we have contributions that people can taste and enjoy before committing to paying for ingredients. 

“It’s a fun, friendly community day and it’s about the people of Blackburn and how vegetarian food can be both tasty and nutritious’.

Working with Revidge Fold URC and their associated churches IMO has also invited Stone Soup Café along to demonstrate how food waste can be reduced. 

IMO are also inviting the community to donate their favourite recipes. 
A selection of these will be used to create a community recipe book after the event.

Yaseen Patel said, ‘We have a wonderfully diverse community and one thing that we all enjoy is a great day out. 

“This one has something for everyone and more is being added to the itinerary every day. We’re really excited about it and hope that everyone will come along and join us.’

Founded by three volunteers in 2006 Inter Madrassah Organisation initially began its work by providing recreational and diversionary activities for young people in the Blackburn area. 

If you would like more information about the ‘Bake Off’ competition, reserving a car boot pitch/stall or anything else please contact Ann Hedley on: 07926 377876.