A FESTIVAL dubbed “Gastro-Glasto” will return to Winchester with a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars.
The biggest touring gourmet food festival in the UK invites MasterChef champions, stars of the Great British Bake Off and Michelin starred chefs to cook in live theatres over three days of foodie fun in the North Walls Recreation Ground.
The festival starts on Friday, July 15 and runs until Sunday, July 17.
As well as talents of the cooking world, the Winchester festival will host live music with famous performers such as singer-songwriter, Gabrielle and Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe from the boy band Blue.
Gabrielle’s debut single Dreams topped the UK singles chart. The British singer-songwriter said: “I’m really excited about performing at Foodies Festival and hope to sample some of the lovely food and drink on offer. Winchester is a beautiful city to visit, especially in the glorious British summertime.”
Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe from Blue said: “We’re looking forward to meeting the Hampshire crowd and will be singing all of our biggest hits. We’re also looking forward to trying out some incredible food. We’ve had some amazing dishes in the countries we have visited over the years, but to have such a mind-blowing selection from around the world in one place…we can’t wait!”
New this year, the Foodies Festival will be launching their ‘Big Party Night’ on Friday, with nostalgic nineties tunes from Rozalla, N-Trance and 911.
Over 150 food exhibitors will also be showcasing their produce, giving festival-goers the chance to sample some of the best food in the region – as well as a selection of food and drink from around the world.
Meanwhile, TV celebrity chefs will be cooking in live theatres, including: MasterChef 2020 champion Thomas Frake, Great British Bake Off 2021 star, Juergen Krauss and MasterChef 2012 champion, Shelina Permaloo. Local award-winning chefs will also join line-up to bring the Hampshire flavour such as Jay Geddes, who has cooked for A list celebrities like Beyonce and the Royal Family.
The celebrity chefs will compete against each other in the Chef’s Theatre to become the ‘Ready Steady Chef’ champion. The live contest will see competitors pick out each other’s ingredients before a race against the clock to create the best dish and gain the public vote.
MasterChef 2012 champion, Shelina Permaloo, said: “It’s great to be heading back to Foodies Festival in Winchester, the weekends are always buzzing with great food and lovely foodie friends!”
Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch bread expert Jack Sturgess, ‘Bake with Jack’ will be in the Cake and Bake Theatre, cbaking show-stopping cakes and patisseries.
Jack said: “I’ve been demonstrating at food festivals for years and Foodies really is THE ONE; Great vibes and great food in the Cake and Bake Theatre! Sharing what I know about bread and buns with just the happiest crowd is what Foodies is all about for me, can’t wait to see everyone there.”
As well as food demonstrations, drinks expert Joe Wadsack from the BBC’s Food and Drink series will be among other experts and drink masterclasses offering advice and free tasters from the Drinks Theatre. Masterclasses include cocktail making and champagne, beer, wine and alcohol vs alcohol free tasing.
Youngsters will also be welcomed to try their hand at cooking with Foodies super chefs in the Kids Cookery School. Toy stalls, face painting, sand art and a funfair will also be available among the family friendly areas and activities.
The festival hope to support rising talent with the Musicians Against Homelessness stage that will feature over 300 artists across the weekend including local and up and coming musicians.
For the fourth year running, ticket proceeds will help to raise money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis.
The not for profit organisation Musicians Against Homelessness aim to make stage opportunities more accessible whilst raising funds for homeless services. Founder of the charity, Emma Rule said: “I’m very pleased to help bring this amazing line-up of artists to Foodies in Winchester. I can’t praise them enough for their generous support in these difficult times.
“The last two years have been incredibly hard for charities and the hospitality industry alike. But together we can and will make a difference.”
Since 2016 Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) have hosted gigs and festivals in local pubs, music venues and community spaces featuring thousands of bands and artists who’ve performed across the UK. The award winning not for profit organisation has raised £350,000 for homelessness services. Over 300 artists will perform on the MAH main stage at Foodies Festivals this year, helping to support the national homelessness charity Crisis.
For more on Musicians Against Homelessness go to musiciansagainsthomelessness.net/
Tickets for Winchester’s Foodies Festival can be purchased from foodiesfestival.com.
Hampshire Chronicle
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