With attractions for everyone from celebrity-spotters to beekeepers, it’s hard to think of anyone who won’t find something to delight in at the 2007 Dundee Flower and Food Festival.

The three-day festival, which kicks off at Camperdown Park today, is recognised as the premier event of its kind in the country and organisers are no doubt hoping to beat the previous record of 25,500 visitors set two years ago.

The marquees started going up last week and by this morning will be awash with colour as they are filled with striking arrays of blooms and floral arrangements.

There will be plenty of advice available for those inspired by the perfect blossoms on show. Among those passing on their horticultural know-how this year will be BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein, and BBC Radio Scotland’s Beechgrove Potting Shed will also be paying a visit, with Frieda Morrison and guests.

The festival has grown and developed from its roots as a flower show and now offers a wide range of entertainment for everyone.

With the food side of the event becoming increasingly important, this year’s festival has attracted a number of well-known chefs.

James Martin, presenter of Saturday Kitchen, and former local Jeremy Lee, of The Blueprint Cafe in London and Great British Menu, head the roll call of kitchen experts, which also includes Craig Millar, of The Seafood restaurants in St Andrews and St Monans, and Bruce Price, executive chef with Apex Hotels.

The festival will also feature a real ale tent and a special series of whisky-tasting workshops with Richard Prendiville, from The Famous Grouse distillery.

Betsy Reed, Scottish Fairtrade Forum development officer, will be at the festival to provide support to local fairtraders.

She will meet promoters of Fairtrade goods who have a stall in the food tent. Among the wide range of Fairtrade goods on display are biscuits, pasta and chocolate.

As Scotland starts the process of becoming one of the world’s first Fairtrade nations, Betsy will also meet Fairtrade activists from throughout the north-east. They will discuss the process involved in reaching that goal and how their past and future involvement plays a key part.

Betsy Reed said, “Everyone in the city can play a part in Scotland becoming one of the world’s first Fairtrade nations.

“Involvement in Fairtrade can be at any level, whether it is how you shop or how to bring Fairtrade into your workplace. The important thing is to get involved.”

Sally Romilly, a member of the Dundee Fairtrade Forum, said, “After years of campaigning on Fairtrade it is wonderful that Scotland is wanting to become a Fairtrade country.

“Events such as the food and flower festival gives people the chance to see the wide range of Fairtrade goods that are available. I hope people in Dundee continue to get involved in Fairtrade as by doing so they are improving the lives of workers throughout the world.”

There will be the usual wide range of stalls and exhibitions, ranging from a display on Potatoes Through The Ages to a craft marquee, offering everything from jewellery to contemporary ceramics.

The youngest members of the family have not been forgotten, either, with a full range of children’s events, theatre and music, including The Circus Alchemy Magic Show, Half Daft the Clown, fun woodland activities and a children’s marquee.

The festival is open from 11am to 6pm today, from 10am to 6pm tomorrow and 10am to 5.30pm on Sunday.

For details on each day’s programme and transport to Camperdown Park visit www.dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com.