Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins celebrity chefs for Foodies Festival

Organisers have reassured the public that the three-day food, drink and music festival will continue to follow the advice provided by

the World Health Organisation, the Government and Public Health England to ensure the safety of visitors, exhibitors and staff.

The festival returns to the historic estate on July 9 to 11, featuring celebrity chefs, headline music acts and more than 200 exhibitors.

Festival director Sue Hitchen said: “I’m delighted we are returning to one of our favourite venues this year, Tatton Park - bringing top chefs to cook live and big-name music acts to our stage.

“As we are outdoors and in a spacious location, we are able to plan a Covid safe festival, and our experienced health and safety team are working closely with the local council to make sure we take all appropriate measures and follow government guidelines to keep everyone safe.

"Visitor safety is our top priority with increased marshalling, frequent cleaning of all public areas and signage to prevent crowding.

“There has never been a better time to support local restaurants and food producers and we are all ready to enjoy a fun day out with friends.”

Tom Rhodes, recently crowned champion of MasterChef 2021 joins the star-studded line up, cooking live to an audience for the first time since appearing on the hit BBC TV show.

He said: “I’m a huge fan of Foodies Festival, so I’m over the moon that it’s back this year. As well as all the amazing food, drinks and live music, I’ll be there and can’t wait to share my favourite recipes and quick kitchen tricks.

MasterChef 2021 winner Tom Rhodes

"The Foodies Festival really feels like the perfect way to kick back and celebrate this summer and I’m excited to see you all.”

Star names also include MasterChef: The Professionals champion, Alex Webb, MasterChef 2021 finalist Laura Michael, Great British Bake Off 2016 champion, Candice Brown and celebrity spanish chef, Omar Allibhoy.

Local award-winning celebrity chefs showcasing the best of the region, include: Aiden Byrne from The Church Green in Lymm, Great British Menu winner Adam Reid at The French, based in Manchester’s Midland Hotel, Great British Menu 2021 contestant Ashwani Rangta, the executive chef at Gupshup in Hale and Joe Liptrot, head chef at Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be performing her many dance-along anthems, alonside Lady Gaga tribute act Maybe Gaga and the leading UK Killers tribute - The Killerz.

More than 50 bands and artists will also be on stage.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “I’ve been doing my livestreamed kitchen discos since the first lockdown, but what a joy it will be to

finally get out of my kitchen to appear at the biggest food festival of the year.

 

"I’m really looking forward to performing live to an audience again, and sampling some of the lovely food on offer.”

At the three-day festival, visitors can enjoy the chefs theatre, cake and bake theatre, drinks theatre with wine, champagne, beer and cocktail making masterclasses, shopping village with award-winning artisan producers, street food avenue, kids cookery school and live music stage.

Other attractions include Foodies famous chilli eating competition featuring a world record challenge, a funfair and family friendly areas with activities for children.

More than 200 exhibitors will showcase their produce, providing festival-goers with a fantastic opportunity to sample the best of the north west - and try a huge selection of delicious food from around the world.

For the third year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness with tickets raising money for UKwide homelessness charity Crisis.

MAH founder Emma Rule said: “The last year has been incredibly difficult for charities, we are so pleased to be back at Foodies with our music stage and brilliant artists, raising much needed funds.”

Tickets are available from foodiesfestival.com or 0844 995 111.