David’s got a taste for real romance after public proposal

David Newman, of Bucksum in Long Crendon, got down on one knee to propose to partner Tracy Russell, who he got together with after meeting at 2010’s festival.

David, who has lived in Long Crendon for more than 40 years, enlisted the help of top chef Tom Kerridge to reveal the surprise on the day.

David, 46, said: “I asked Tom to meet me at the festival and tell Tracy I had a surprise for her. I could tell she was surprised to see Tom there, but even more surprised when I asked her to marry me!”

Customers at the couple’s stall shed emotional tears as Tracy said yes and slipped the ring onto her finger, which is a Newman family heirloom.

David was given the ring, which is a pearl surrounded by turquoise and set in gold, by his mum June.

Tracy, 43, was speechless after the proposal at the festival – which drew 25, 000 foodies from far and wide – and described how the pair met: “I was working for another food project at the time, and I was handing out business cards.

“There was a definite spark there for both of us, but we were both a bit shy so it took us a while to get together. We’ve been inseparable ever since.”

The pair plan to wed in a local ceremony in 2016, after David’s daughter Daisy ties the knot next year. He said: “We didn’t want to steal her thunder!”

For more photos of the festival, turn to pages 19, 20, 21.