Friday 17, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2013
Foodies Festivals are delighted to return to Tatton Park in Cheshire this May. The UKs largest celebration of food and drink, will see visitors flock from the surrounding area to feast on the vast array of culinary activities for the third consecutive year at Tatton Park. Foodies Festivals also take place at Brighton, Hampton Court Palace, Clapham Common London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Battersea Park London and Oxford.
Top chefs, including David Mooney of the New Moon Pub Company, star of the BBCs Great British Menu Mary-Ellen McTague of Aumbry, Thai restaurant Chaophrayas executive chef Kim Kaewkraikhot, celebrity chef Rachel Green, Brent Hulena from Hipping Hall, Malaysian chef Norman Musa of Ning, and brownie queen Justine Forrest will cook their signature dishes live in the Chefs Theatre and explain how amateur cooks can prepare the same dishes at home. The theatre will be compered by Blue Peter presenter and Celebrity Masterchef star Zoe Salmon, she commented: I have a passion for all things food so I am absolutely thrilled to be involved with Foodies Festival and can't wait to see what's cooking up a storm in 2013".
Now in its eighth year, Foodies Festival has introduced new elements to all events in 2013. These include a spectacular Cake and Bake Theatre in association with by Electrolux incorporating a bake-along with members of the audience invited to participate. Great British Bake Off star Ruth Clemens will bake her signature cake, and decadent Steampunk baker Emilly Ladybird will be demonstrating how to make a gin and tonic cake in conjunction with Hendricks Gin. She commented: "I'm so excited to be introducing Foodies to the world of Steampunk, it's going to be fun, frivolous and absolutely delicious"
An exclusive for Tatton Park Foodies in 2013 is a special AEG cookery school run in conjunction with the Cheshire Cook School. They will be hosting classes throughout the day in their specially designed cook school.
2013 also sees the introduction of a dedicated Chocolate Theatre to showcase the world of chocolate and confectionary with daily demonstrations from David Greenwood-Haigh of Divine Chocolate. Foodies are delighted to welcome Fiona Sciolti of Sciolti Chocolates to Tatton Park where she will extol the health benefits of chocolate and explain how her award-winning botanical chocolates are made using local fruits, flowers, teas, herbs, cream and honey.
Another new element for 2013 is certain to appeal to those who love al fresco dining. A specially-designed BBQ arena will feature hourly BBQ classes and competitions for foodies to get involved in and learn how to get the most from cooking outdoors.
There will also be a Wine Village, bringing together producers and wine regions from across the world including Shawbury Vintners and Vicomte de Romanet; whilst Homeware Village offers visitors the chance to shop for kitchenware and gadgets.
In 2013, food-lovers can also enjoy the new dining and VIP area serving signature dishes from top local restaurants including Lord Binning, Chaopraya and Stolen Lamb. And there will be a new bar area with a countryside theme featuring hay bales and focusing on British cider and ale. The bar bus, a converted open-topped double-decker bus, is a fun addition to the tent and pagoda bars on offer throughout the site.
These new elements complement Foodies existing features including the Drinks Theatre where regular classes and demonstrations are given on by some of the most talented sommeliers and mixologists and drink experts in the UK. This theatre allows visitors to be amongst some of the first people in the UK to sample 100s of products as well as brush up on their knowledge at the daily wine, ales and spirits masterclasses with experts including TVs Charles Metcalfe and beer blacksmith Melissa Cole. This year there will also be a Cocktail Theatre where top mixologists will demonstrate their skills with hands-on classes.
The extensive Producers Market sells a vast array of artisan produce from the local area and incorporates the Guild of Fine Food award-winning British produce. One such exhibitor is Manchester-based Gingers Comfort Emporium, run by Claire Kelsey whose ice cream van for grown-ups and kids alike offers distinctly unique flavours such as roasted banana, salted caramel and peanut; apple, mint and wheatgrass; and white chocolate and pink peppercorn. Claire commented: "I'm really looking forward to seeing new faces at this years Foodies at Tatton Park, and letting people try the flavours. I'll also be showing people how my recipes are put together in the Chocolate Theatre, which will be loads of fun!" Also look out for ex-Coronation Street actor Charlie Lawson who is bringing his Prestbury Farm Shop to Tatton Foodies.
Last year saw the successful introduction of Street Food Avenue to all Foodies events. In 2013 the Tatton Park crowds can again enjoy the huge selection of ready-to-eat hot and cold food from around the world including hog roasts, exotic meats, tapas, churros, burritos, Moroccan tagines, South American prime beef, sausages, pizza, Jamaican and Thai street food.
This years Childrens Cookery Theatre will be operated by local cook school Kiddy Cook who will run a series of workshops incorporating gastronomic experiments. Kiddy Cook director Nikki Geddes said: Well get the children making carbon dioxide rockets and bread bubble bombs to show them the chemical reaction that makes bread rise. Theyll learn the difference between taste and flavour and think about the effect sound has on their ability to eat.
Relaxation in 2013 comes in the form of a City Beach where families can chill out on deckchairs with an artisan ice-cream or an afternoon tea whilst children build sandcastles. Various specialist tea, coffee and fresh juice vendors can be found around the site.
The entertainment stage features live music acts performing every day.
Ticket Information
2013 Foodies Festivals tickets are now available from www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111.
Tickets:
1-day adult ticket £12.00 (£10.00 concession)
3-day adult ticket £18.00 (£15.00 concession)
1-day VIP ticket £38.00
There is a charge of £5 per car to enter Tatton Park.
VIP tickets include a free glass of champagne on arrival, access to the VIP tent throughout the day, a taster meal from one of the pop-up restaurant tents, a goody bag and reserved seating in theatre and masterclass sessions as well as a private bar with great views of entertainment stage.
All children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.
Opening times: 11am until 7pm.