James Acaster to judge primary school's Wicksteed Bake Off competition

Wicksteed Park's biggest celebrity fan, Kettering-born comedian James Acaster, will judge a Wicksteed-themed Bake Off competition organised by primary school pupils.

James appeared on The Great British Bake Off in aid of Stand Up to Cancer and paid tribute to Wicksteed Park in his showstopper with a rollercoaster meringue.

Now the comedian will be judging other people's showstoppers after agreeing to take part in a fundraising Bake Off organised by Year 6 pupils at St Mary's Primary School.

Class teacher Kate Harle said: "Over the last couple of days when the news about Wicksteed Park broke, we spoke about it and they wanted to do something in school to help and the headteacher suggested we do something as a community."

The class are currently being taught in small group bubbles and the group of 12 have planned the Bake Off competition which will be open to all - Ms Harle said information on how to join will be shared soon and the competition will probably take place in the second week of July.

The pupils have been focusing on getting other schools involved and Ms Harle said: "They have written letters to all the other headteachers of local schools, they have sent emails to companies asking for support - since Wednesday it's really been their focus.

"Then James Acaster agreed to judge it, they're so excited."

Due to social distancing measures, James Acaster will be unable to taste the entries, so the cakes will need to look good!

Ms Harle said: "We were talking about this and they wanted it to be Wicksteed Park themed.

"They were saying it's not necessarily the one that looks the best, it could be the meaning behind the cake and the creativity in putting a message across."

As well as the Bake Off competition, the students have planned a matchbox challenge where competitors have to fit as many things beginning with 'W' and 'P' (for Wicksteed Park) in a matchbox.

Information will be shared with the other schools participating.

We can't wait to see the Wicksteed Park themed cakes and the eventual winner, as judged by James Acaster!