The organisers of a popular food festival have promised this year will be the event’s “biggest and most exciting yet”.
Foodies Festival will return to Preston Park in Brighton from May 2 to 4 for its 21st birthday with live music, big culinary names and of course lots of food.
There will be an array of food stalls (Image: Foodies Festival)
Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy an array of live cooking demonstrations in the Chefs Theatre and Baking Theatre, with appearances from stars of MasterChef, The Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, alongside acclaimed chefs from the local area.
Ewan Waller, head chef at Maré by Rafael Cagali, who has just awarded been the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Brighton and Hove for nearly 50 years, will be among the names at the festival.
Ewan Waller (Image: Foodies Festival)
“It’s an exciting time for Brighton’s food scene, and it’s important that doesn’t just stay within restaurant walls,” he said.
“Events like this give people a chance to experience a bit of that world in a more relaxed, accessible way. For me, it’s about sharing techniques, ideas and hopefully inspiring people to cook and think about food differently.”
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Also attending will be Harry Maguire, MasterChef champion 2025 and Sophie Sugrue, MasterChef Finalist 2025, Pete Danatus from Burnt Orange, Duncan Ray of The Little Fish Market, Steven Edwards, .etch, MasterChef champions Dhruv Baker, Tom Rhodes and Professionals Champion Alex Webb and many more.
“MasterChef was an incredible experience, but for me it’s now about what comes next,” said Mr Maguire.
“Cooking in a setting like this is a chance to connect with people in a completely different way – sharing food, ideas and a bit of the journey I’ve been on since the show. It’s exciting to be part of something that brings that energy directly to the public.”
People enjoying themselves at Foodies Festival (Image: Foodies Festival)
Confirmed musical acts include Scouting For Girls, Boyzlife (Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy) and B*witched.
Scouting for Girls (Image: Foodies Festival)
To celebrate its anniversary year, Foodies Festival is introducing new features including:
Ready Steady Cook Off – a fast-paced culinary showdown
Meet and greet experiences – meet your favourite chefs and music stars
Upgraded VIP area – premium views, refreshments and exclusive perks
Kitchen disco – where cooking meets dancing
Returning will be:
Kids cookery school – hands-on cooking sessions for young foodies
Drinks theatre – tastings and masterclasses with industry experts including 20 free tasting sessions over the weekend in the drinks theatre with Brighton’s Tom Surgey
International cook school
Fire stage – hosted by channel 4’s Jacqueline Wise, barbecue stage host
Legendary chilli challenge – brave the heat in front of a cheering crowd
Shopping village and artisan market – featuring local producers
Feasting tent – street food from around the world
The festival is family friendly (Image: Foodies Festival)
Families can enjoy an expanded programme of kids’ entertainment, including scavenger hunts, games and interactive challenges, while four-legged friends are welcome at the new dog’s zone.
Foodies Festival is supporting national homelessness charity Crisis, alongside a range of local charities in Brighton.