Dave Sweetmore - 11th July

We are well and truly into festival season, my favourite time of the year, and this Sunday I'll be DJing at one of the North West's most popular three day events, as this weekend will see the hugely popular Foodies Festival return to Cheshire's iconic Tatton Park.

Starting tomorrow (Friday July 12th) and running until Sunday (July 14th), the weekend will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars. Following record breaking visitor numbers in 2023, the festival has announced high profile music headliners on all 3 nights of the event this year.  Platinum selling and Grammy awarded Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge bring the disco vibes to Friday night, performing many of their biggest hits including ‘We are Family’ and ’The Greatest Dancer’. On Saturday, two-time Brit awarded 90’s boyband Blue take to the stage, singing their biggest hits from their three number one albums. Sunday will see multi-platinum chart-topper Example bring the event to a high energy close.

Last time I saw Example live was last year whilst playing at the Kendal Calling festival, and he was amazing, so I can't wait to be sharing a stage with him this weekend. The festival, which is known as Gastro-Glastonbury, is now into its 18th year, and the three day event features cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu. Stars appearing  in the live cooking theatres this weekend will include two-time winner of Great British Menu Adam Reid, Chef-Patron from 4AA Rosette awarded Adam Reid at The French in Manchester, MasterChef champion Tom Rhodes, MasterChef champion Simon Wood, from WOOD in Manchester, Great British Bake Off 2023 finalist Dan Hunter, Great British Menu finalist Danielle Heron, Channel 4 Beat The Chef, MasterChef contestant and author Yui Miles, BBC1’s Best Home Cook finalist Sarah Woods, and TV and radio presenter  Matt White.

Many other chefs, bands and musicians will complete the line up, and throughout the three day weekend visitors will enjoy a packed schedule of entertainment. 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 will 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, with presenters including ITV This Morning wine experts Tom Surgey and Joe Wadsack. 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 mouthwatering range of street food and delicacies from all four corners of the globe.

Other attractions and new features at the festival this year include TV Chef battles, Fire Stage with BBQ masters, Cook School with experts, Silent Disco, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Chilli Eating competitions, fairground rides, rock choirs, children’s activities, and family-friendly areas. Throughout the weekend, alongside Sister Sledge, Blue and Example, the Music Stage will present a summer soundtrack of chart topping artists, top tribute acts, and many local bands, including Craig Lee & The Humblebees, Ocean View, Maryland, Havana Blonde, and Kiki and the Naughtie Boyz. For full line ups, schedules, tickets, and more information visit www.foodiesfestival.com. Foodies Festival guarantees to be a great weekend whether you visit for the full weekend or just a day, and if you are there on Sunday, I'll see you there!