06 Feb 2025
Gastro-Glastonbury the Foodies Festival is back at Oaklands College in the spring.
The three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the regions most-highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.
They include MasterChef champion, Chariya Khattiyot, MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 star, Ritchie Stainsby, MasterChef: The Professionals star, Scott Barnard, from Michelin Guide awarded Crockers Tring, TV and BBC radio presenter, Shahnaaz Ayub, Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers contestant, Eloise Durrant, BBC Saturday Kitchen and award-winning chef, Brett Barnes, from Fox and Hounds in Barley, John Barber from 2AA Rosette-awarded Auberge du Lac in Welwyn, critically acclaimed award-winning St Albans pastry chef, Graham Hornigold and Baking Industry Awards winner, Paul Barker, from Cinnamon Square, Rickmansworth.
Music headliners include two-time Brit awarded 90s boyband, Blue, performing fan favourites from their three number-one albums, multi-platinum chart-topper Example, and the legendary Symphonic Ibiza offering an unforgettable fusion of dance anthems, with live vocals, a sensational DJ and exhilarating live orchestra.
In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, while in the Cake & Desserts Theatre, patisserie chefs and star bakers whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats. In the Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which they can take away and enjoy.
Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne, beer, cider, cocktail and wine-tasting with BBC and ITV experts, Joe Wadsack and Tom Surgey
New features for 2025 include:
- Tasting Theatre with Fabulous Food Finds: Visitors can explore a variety of themed tastings, from cheese and perfect pairings to palate challenging mystery tastings, hot and spicy adventures, and sweet treats too.
- Great Taste Market: Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, the world’s largest and most respected award scheme for artisan and specialty food and drink. The Great Taste Market features award-winning high quality products from around the world to try and buy.
- Nigel Barden International Cook School: Visitors are invited to take their kitchen game up a division in the Cook School; learning new skills with top chefs. Hosts include, BBC food and drink broadcaster, Nigel Barden, MasterChef finalist and author, Yui Miles, and Channel 4 chef and author, Radhika Howarth.
For tickets visit www.foodiesfestival.com
