FOODIES Festival is back for its 18th year.
Celebrity chefs and music stars will descend on Tatton Park next weekend as the ‘Gastro Glastonbury’ makes its return.
Following record-breaking visitor numbers last year, Foodies Festival director Sue Hitchen can’t wait to welcome visitors for the 2024 edition.
She said: "Our visit to Tatton Park is a real highlight of the tour.
“It’s such a beautiful venue for visitors and we always receive a warm welcome. “We’re delighted to host so many superb chefs and artisan producers, and to show off the best of the North West.”
Sister Sledge will kick things off on Friday (July 12), treating crowds to hits such as ‘We Are Family’ and ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’.
Two-time Brit Award-winning boyband Blue take to the stage on Saturday (July 13), performing tunes from their three UK number-one albums.
Closing the show on Sunday (July 14) is Example, who has topped the charts with ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’ and ‘Stay Awake’.
Of course, food lies at the heart of this event and there is certainly no shortfall in that regard.
Two-time winner of Great British Menu, Adam Reid, is among those making an appearance in the live cooking theatres.
He will be joined by MasterChef champions Simon Wood and Tom Rhodes.
The latter said: “I’m so pleased to be joining the Foodies tour again this year, not only to cook, but to host with some other great chefs in the live theatres.
“I’m looking forward to a weekend of great food, music and fun!”
Great British Menu finalist Danielle Heron, author Yui Miles BBC1’s Best Home Cook finalist Sarah Woods, and presenter Matt White will also be in attendance.
As will Cheshire-based Great British Bake Off 2023 finalist Dan Hunter.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to Foodies Festival this year, to be a local and part of the line-up is very special, and to celebrate food from the area with amazing chefs and bakers is going to be great fun!
"It’s going to be an amazing weekend for all the family!”
The very best of the North West culinary scene will be on display, including appearances from Mottram Hall’s AA Rosette-awarded head chef Andrew Green, Richard Nuttall from Michelin-recommended Next Door in Frodsham and chef-patron Valentina Aviotti from Michelin Plate-awarded Da Noi and Augusto Pizzeria in Chester.
Elsewhere at Foodies Festival, ITV This Morning wine experts Tom Surgery and Joe Wadsack will host masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre while younger visitors can get involved at the Kids Cookery School
There will also be TV chef battles, a silent disco, chilli eating competitions, fairground rides, rock choirs, an artisan market and more.
A shuttle bus will be running between Knutsford Station and Tatton Park across the weekend.
The full line-up, schedules and more information can be found at www.foodiesfestival.com
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