A major food and drink festival series is returning to Cambridge this summer with TV celebs and music stars on the bill.
Foodies Festival – the biggest gourmet food and drink touring festival in the UK – is returning to Parker’s Piece, Cambridge, in July.
The tasty line-up over the weekend of Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 25 features MasterChef and Great British Bake Off champions, over 50 music acts and gastronomic delights from around the world.
For the third year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH), with tickets raising money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis.
MAH founder Emma Rule, from Meldreth, 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.”
Award-winning chefs taking part in the series this summer include MasterChef 2021 champion Tom Rhodes, veteran Great British Menu judge Daniel Clifford, who is also chef patron of two-Michelin starred local restaurant Midsummer House, Alex Webb, MasterChef: The Professionals 2020 champion, and MasterChef 2021 finalists Mike Tomkins, Alexina Anatole and Laura Michael.
Daniel Clifford said: "I am really pleased to be a part of Cambridge Foodies Festival this summer.
"The last year has been a real challenge for everyone in the industry, so I’m grateful that events such as Foodies Festival are taking place again and helping to support our region by bringing people back to Cambridge.
"I look forward to meeting you all at the festival and cooking a new recipe live in The Chefs Theatre."
The musical feast is just as sumptuous with bands and artists participating in the Big Tribute Weekend, including Maybe Gaga, the UK’s leading Lady Gaga tribute act who will be performing huge hits including Poker Face and Edge of Glory.
Ultimate Coldplay will close the evening, playing all of Coldplay’s greatest hits, including A Sky Full of Stars, as the sun sets on another fabulous Foodies day out.
Also taking to the stage over the weekend is Kylie on Show, who will no doubt have the crowd dancing and Spinning Around!
Foodies Festival began more than a decade ago and was rapidly dubbed the 'Gastro-Glastonbury'.
The food, drink and music event returns with a vengeance this summer with COVID-safe events in 10 British regions.
Festival director Sue Hitchen said: “I am delighted to bring Foodies Festival back to Cambridge,
celebrating the delicious local produce and wonderful restaurants in the city.
“As we’re outdoors we are able to plan COVID-safe festivals, and our experienced health and safety team are working closely with local councils across the country to make sure we take all appropriate measures and follow government guidelines to keep everyone safe.
“There has never been a better time to support local restaurants and food producers in the region and we are all ready to enjoy a fun day out with friends.”
At the three-day festival, visitors can enjoy the Chefs Theatre, Cake & 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 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 Eastern region – and try a huge selection of delicious food from around the world.
Alex Webb, MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2020, is elated to be joining the series.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be touring around the country with Foodies Festivals this summer.
"I’ve been working on lots of delicious new recipes and I can’t wait to see you all in person and cook live on stage!”
MasterChef 2021 finalist Mike Tomkins said: "I’m absolutely buzzing to be involved with Foodies Festival this year.
"I think it’s the type of event we were all desperate for last year, hopefully I can give you guys something you’ll want to run home and try for yourself.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here