It's National Vegetarian Week here in the UK, a campaign run by the Vegetarian Society to raise awareness, and debunk myths about vegetarian eating. I like to do my bit every week with my Meat Free Monday recipe, but this week is a chance to go the whole - I nearly said the whole hog, oops - way.

You may think that British food and its dependence on fur and feather would not lend itself to a vegetarian lifestyle but that's so not true. Have a look at my small collection of vegetarian recipes below or if you want tons of inspiration, About.com's Vegetarian Guide Jolinda's site.

• British Vegetarian Recipes
• About.com Vegetarian Food
• Gordon Ramsay - Vegetarian Wrap Recipe
• The Vegetarian Option - Simon Hopkinson - Cook Book Review

Am loving this recipe from Chef Atul Kochar for Tenderstem broccoli. It is a perfect dish for a day like today, when finally the sun has finally appeared, as well as in celebration of National Vegetarian Week this week..

Warm Tenderstem and Chickpea Salad Recipe

How about this as Something for the Weekend. A lovely, light Smoked Haddock and Bean Risotto Recipe. The recipe comes courtesy of British Peas and Beans, and is one of my spring and summer favourites.

• Smoked Haddock and Bean Risotto Recipe

It's almost summer, well OK, late spring and the food festival season is kicking off big time around Britain and Ireland. I love spending time wandering round a food festival but with so many it means choosing carefully which ones to visit.

One I have always been fond of (mainly because I have long been involved in the set up and running but no longer) is the Malton Food Lovers Festival in North Yorkshire and takes place this weekend. Also in Yorkshire and this weekend is The Tockwith Beer Festival, and the clue to what is happening at the festival is in the title, plus there is live music and some rather delicious looking food.

Further afield there is Cromer & Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival, Loch Fyne Food Fair in Western Scotland and the Cornwall Asparagus Festival, all taking place this weekend.

For an up to date list of many of the festivals for the rest of the year have a look at the Food Festival Calendar for the UK, there is something going on every weekend somewhere.

Over in Ireland I am saving space in my diary for one of my all time favourite events which is the Dingle Festival of Food and Wine. I'd love to hear about more festivals in Ireland, in fact any upcoming festivals, do let me know. I may not be able to attend but it will be great to let everyone know about them.