Everything you need to know about Harrogate Food and Drink Festival this August weekend
Organisers say the line-up for this weekend’s Harrogate Food and Drink Festival at Ripley Castle will be the best and biggest yet and packed with new features.
It’s the seventh year this popular summer event has been held in the beautiful splendour of the village’s peaceful parklands to celebrate global flavours, local community and easy-going entertainment.
As well as confirming the final Cookery Theatre programme, a brand new music line-up has been revealed for Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23.
But there’s even more to enjoy this weekend than ever.
1 Music stage
This promises a little bit of something for everyone, from rock, pop and indie to jazz, swing, funk and soul.
Headline acts in the evenings include Fleetwood Shack (Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Saturday) and The Freddie and Queen Experience (Queen Tribute, Sunday).
2 Cookery Theatre
Also confirmed are Yorkshire's leading chefs in the refreshed Cookery Theatre with new host and compere Stephanie Moon.
The foodie celebrity names include Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant), Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall) and Adam Degg (Fifty Two Rudding Park)
The line-up ranges from Michelin-starred chefs to a who’s who of local independent business owners.
3 Refreshed street food, bar and markets
A total of 21 different independent street food and dessert vendors, nine independent bars, and a treasure trove of more than 85 local businesses and entrepreneurs in the markets.
4 The Sizzling Showdown Arena
A new fourth live stage with fun for all the family.
Hosted by renowned comedian Neil Frost , this will include The Foodie Olympics, Wally Woof's Family Dog Show, The Chilli Challenge, and Pies Down Eyes Down Bingo with Barry Bingo.
5 Brand-new attractions and family activities
Inflatable Banana Jousting, Viking Heritage Kitchen, Target Paintball, unseen roaming acts and comedy
6 Heightened production and new stage designs
Think more giant inflatables and donuts.
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival’s Cookery Theatre programme in fullSaturday, August 22Iain Wilkinson (Storehouse Kitchen)
Chef-Owner of Storehouse Kitchen, a modern smokehouse, grill and bar prided for its use of seasonal, ethically-sourced ingredients and refined flavours.
Shane White (The Inn at South Stainley)
Executive Head Chef of The Inn at South Stainley, an award-winning independent inn, country pub and restaurant that balances modern-influences with traditional charm.
Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall)
Honouree of the Deliciously Yorkshire Rising Star Award and Senior Sous Chef of Wrea Head Hall, a luxury country house hotel on the edge of Scarborough.
Jessica Wyatt (Mama Doreen’s Emporium)
Confectioneries expert, Company Director and co-founder of Mama Doreen’s Emporium, an independent afternoon tea experience and bespoke on-site bakery in the heart of Harrogate.
Mikael Paylor (The Craven Arms)
Expert in game and foraged products and Head Chef of The Craven Arms in Appletreewick, a charming pub nestled within Wharfedale that's celebrated for its use of high-quality, seasonal British produce.
Sunday, August 23Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant)
Great British Menu star, former Young National Chef of The Year and multi-award winning independent business owner with Hansom, a Michelin-guide listed contemporary dining experience in Bedale.
Adam Rasburn (Wild Infused Vinegars)
Chef, artisan and creator of Wild Infused Vinegar, an immersive private dining experience centered around creating nutrient-dense, seasonal home cooked meals.
Adam Degg (FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park)
Three-time AA Rosette honouree, Great British Menu Competitor and Head Chef at Fifty Two at Rudding Park - Harrogate’s first Michelin-starred restaurant.
Lisa Bennison (Bettys Cookery School)
Culinary mentor, tutor and Manager of the award-winning Bettys Cookery School, proudly educating the secrets of cakes, pastry and entertaining.
Charlie Shires (HG1 Bakes)
Confectionaries and pastries expert and the baker behind HG1Bakes - an independent cake business in Harrogate renowned for their bespoke buttercream cakes and vintage-inspired aesthetics.