FOODIES FESTIVAL – the UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series – announces a spectacular return to St Albans
Foodies Festival returns to Oaklands College, St Albans, from 31st May – 2nd June, with brand new features and a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including: Blue, Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge and the exhilarating Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra with live vocals and DJ.
Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, 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.
Early announcements, include: MasterChef judge, TV presenter and award-winning author, Theo Michaels, MasterChef 2023 finalist, Omar Foster, MasterChef: The Professionals finalist and Head Chef, Scott Barnard, from Michelin recommended Crockers Tring, TV presenter, chef and author, Ursula Ferringo, and award-winning private chef and MasterChef contestant, Sonia Gallo.
Theo Michaels, said: “Super excited to be cooking at the legendary Foodies Festival again; such a great day out for the whole family to indulge in plates of mouth watering food, sample amazing local produce and watch some top chefs in action! Oh, and don’t forget to kick back and enjoy the music!”
Duncan James from Blue, said: “We’re all looking forward to joining the Foodies Festival tour again this year. The crowd is always buzzing and up for a great day and night out! A definite highlight is the lovely food from around the world. We’ve enjoyed some amazing dishes on previous visits and can’t wait to try some more!”Showcasing the best of Hertfordshire and beyond, many of the regions most-highly acclaimed Michelin and multi-award-winning chefs will also appear. Including: Kieren Steinborn-Busse, head chef from Michelin recommended The Falcon, Buntingford, Brett Barnes, chef-patron from Michelin recommended Fox and Hounds, Barley, and Andy Benyon, Chef-Patron frrom Michelin-starred Behind, Hackney.Throughout the 3-day weekend, visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of TV cooking show champions and award-winning chefs in the interactive live theatres. In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst 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 – presenters include BBC, ITV and Channel 4 drinks experts.
Visitors can browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent – which features a mouth-watering range of street food and delicacies from all four corners of the globe.
New for Fridays: the festival launches brand new family-friendly entertainment features taking place throughout the live theatres and extended opening hours until 10pm. As the sun goes down, the legendary Symphonic Ibiza will present an unforgettable fusion of dance anthems, live vocals, a sensational DJ and an exhilirating live orchestra. Created by dynamic producer and DJ Andy Joyce (Pacha, Amnesia, Eden, Cafe Mambo) and accomplished composer and musical director Steve Etherington.
Other exciting new features and attractions include: TV Chef battles, Fire Pit BBQ sessions, Cook School with experts, Silent Disco, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Chilli Eating competitions featuring the current world champion, fairground rides, walk about artists, drum troops, choirs, children’s activities and family-friendly areas. Throughout the weekend, the Music Stage presents a summer soundtrack of chart-topping artists, top tribute acts, covers bands and superb local bands.
For the fifth year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) with tickets helping to raise money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis.
Dates and tickets
Oaklands College, St Albans
31st May,1st June, 2nd June 2024
Day tickets from £4 (child) and £21 (adult)
Weekend tickets from £38 (3-day)
On sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com
*Entry to all theatres is included in the ticket price
