Beth Doherty
The Foodies Festival, also known as ‘Gastro-Glasto’, is bringing MasterChef champions, stars of Great British Bake-Off, Michelin-starred chefs TV celebrity chefs to Winchester this weekend (15th – 17th July 2022).
Award-winning chefs from the region will also join the impressive line-up, giving the festival a distinctive local flavour, including, Jay Geddes, who’s cooked for A-list celebrities such as Beyonce and the Royal Family.
Foodies Festival director, Sue Hitchen, said, “We are delighted to be returning to Winchester this summer. The festival has become a meeting point for friends and family to enjoy a great weekend of delicious food, live music and fun.”
They will be joined by star bakers, including Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch bread expert Jack Sturgess AKA ‘Bake with Jack’, who’ll be creating show-stopping cakes and patisseries in the Cake and Bake Theatre.
Jack Sturgess, 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.”
Joe Wadsack, drinks expert from BBC TV’s ‘Food and Drink’ series will share his passion and advice in the Drinks Theatre, alongside many other experts presenting masterclasses and free tasting sessions, including a showcase from Gritchie Brewery, owned by actor Guy Ritchie.
Guy Ritchie, said, “I’ve always had a passion for beer and pub culture, so it seemed fitting that I should set up a brewery. I’m interested in trying to add a subtle and contemporary change to the traditional drink of Britain.”
The entertainment doesn’t stop there. The music line-up includes chart-topping singer-songwriter, Gabrielle and Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe from the naughties boy band Blue.
New for Friday, Foodies launch their ‘Big Party Night’ – taking a nostalgia-filled trip back to the 90s, featuring some of the biggest music acts of the era, including Rozalla, N-Trance and 911.
Gabrielle commented, “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 added, “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!”
At the three-day festival which kicks off today (15th July 2022), visitors can enjoy the Chefs’ Theatre, Cake & Bake Theatre, Drinks Theatre, Shopping Village with award-winning artisan producers, Street Food Avenue, Feasting Tent, Cook Book Shop, Kids’ Cookery School, fairground, live music stage and family-friendly areas with activities for children.
Over 150 exhibitors will showcase their produce, providing festival-goers with a fantastic opportunity to sample the best of the region and to try a vast selection of delicious food and drink from around the world.
Tickets are on sale now online or call 0844 9951111. For more information please contact: emma.rule@foodiesfestival.com.
Andy Munns
