For whatever reason you decide to become a vegan – either for ethical or health reasons, or both, one thing remains certain, veganism is part of many people’s lives these days. In the UK alone veganism has grown by 360 per cent over the past decade, helped in part by the rise in prominence of celebrity vegans such as Jennifer Lopez, Tobey Maguire and Gwyneth Paltrow.

One person who really knows her onions when it comes to all things veggie and vegan is Billericay based businesswoman Karin Ridgers. Karin has been a vegetarian for 25 years and a vegan for 20 years.

She runs her own hugely popular vegan based TV station www.veggievision.tv from her Essex home. It is an exciting venture that has taken her all over the world and seen her interview some of the most famous vegans on the planet, including Downton Abbey star Peter Egan, musician Jeremy Cunningham and pop star Leona Lewis.

Karin explained: “Going veggie had the most wonderful impact on my life. The food tasted amazing, I met wonderful people, I started up a veggie group in Essex, gave talks and it has become a huge part of my life. It has led me to meet some wonderful people like Heather Mills and Leona Lewis. I have travelled on media trips, met restaurant managers and owners and helped them cater for vegans and to see that we are regular people with money to spend like everyone else!”

Karin is one of the main organisers of Vegfest UK London which takes place this weekend. She will also be a guest presenter at the event. Now in its fifth year, VegfestUK is one of the biggest vegan consumer shows in Europe and will be held at the prestigious London Olympia over Saturday and Sunday (October 21 and 22).

Echo:

Karin Ridgers with Peter Egan from Downton Abbey

Visitors will be able to tuck into literally tones of amazing vegan food, sample new recipes, learn about the health benefits of being a vegan in health and athlete summits, watch live cooking demonstrations and meet vegan celebrities, bodybuilders and experts.

Among the famous faces that Karin has secured for the show include Made In Chealsea star Lucy Watson and Irish actress Evanna Lynch, better known to Harry Potter fans as Luna Lovegood.

Karin said: “I am looking forward to the festival as I am sharing the stage with Lucy Watson, Evanna Lynch and my great friend Wendy Turner Webster - all gorgeous fellow vegans!

“I love my role as I get to invite celebrities to come along to VegfesUK and we get amazing support as everyone loves the atmosphere. I get to meet some wonderful people and we stay friends after too.

“Veganism is the biggest growing trend and there has never been a time in the movement like now. With wonderful famous vegan ambassadors adding their voice and passion there really is no stopping us showing the world we can live, eat and thrive being vegan.”

Evanna, who played ethereal witch Luna in the Harry Potter franchise from 2007-2011 has spoken openly many times about her choice to become a vegan and how she hopes to encourage others to follow suit: “I’ll always quote ‘Vegucated’ for this. ‘Veganism is not ‘you have to live by certain rules’,” she said.

“It’s not about being perfect- it’s about minimising suffering.’ Too many people regard it as this sanctimonious, ideal, holier-than-thou lifestyle. To me veganism is not synonymous with ‘clean eating’ and ‘gluten-free. Those are simply dietary choices. I think the root of this whole lifestyle is compassion. It’s a daily reminder that we are all one. I believe veganism is what will heal this planet.”

Organising Vegfest has been no mean feat, but Karin says she couldn’t be prouder of the event, which is expected to attract 14,000 people. “It really is exhausting for all of us, however, knowing that we are promoting a positive vegan message keeps us going,” she explained.

“It is so rewarding to look around seeing thousands of people having fun, trying new foods, supporting the businesses and organisations making new friends - and watching as some take that next step of a cruelty free, healthy and compassionate life style.”

Karin and her colleagues run a series of Vegfest events across the UK, with London the biggest.

“The run up to VegfestUK is just bonkers, however, we have Brighton in March 2018 and then May 2018 so its non stop!

“I do sometimes wish I could just enjoy the festival like everyone else! I’d love to be able to have a wander around and enjoy the food and talks. The comedy is outstanding, there are world leading speakers and of course plenty of vegan cakes!

“I am delighted to be part of the team and work with my great friends Dr Alan Lee and Tim Barford as well as the team who come along to do the set up each time. Everyone is amazing even though we may be lacking in sleep a bit!

“We see new faces, regulars and people who come to every festival as it’s the only time they see their friends from all over the UK. It is a firm favourite in the diary for Essex vegetarians and of course vegans as this massive festival is quite on our doorstep.

“It is also a really popular event for people who are curious, want to support their family members how are veggie or even who just love new foods.”

Karin stressed: “It is of course much more than food, Being vegan is a lifestyle so at the festival we have clothing, vegan cosmetics and you get to meet the people behind the businesses too.”

The festival is on at the London Olympia in West Kensington from 11am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. For tickets and prices visit londonvegfest.co.uk.