The first Great British Cucumber Festival, supported by the salad growers of the Lea Valley, takes place at Waltham Abbey on Saturday 17 September.

It also has the support of the National Farmers’ Union and aims to highlight the Lea Valley Growers’ contribution to the local economy.

At least 62 million cucumbers, as well as peppers and tomatoes, are grown each year in the Lea Valley. Most British cucumbers come from the Lea Valley.

Organisers are promising “stalls, tastings, Cool as a Cucumber music stage, Little Italy, Abbey Pride local businesses and organisations, cooking, health and beauty, entertainment, crafty cucumbers and entertainment area for the children”.

The festival is in the Abbey Gardens on Saturday 17 September from 12 noon to 4pm; admission free.