Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September 2026
The Festival of Food and Drink will showcase oodles of award-winning food and drink, TV chef favourites, and gifts galore. This year’s guest chef line-up will take your tastebuds on a global adventure with delicious dishes from around the world.
John Torode and Lisa Faulkner will be returning to the cookery theatre in 2026 with more of their Weeknight Meals. Completing the chef roster on Saturday 19th September are TV Chef Dean Edwards and local Masterchef Finalist, Claire Syrenne. Chris Bavin is once again Master of the Cookery Theatre chat and will be keeping everyone entertained.
One of the country’s most popular duos, John Torode and Lisa Faulkner have a myriad of projects, including cookery books, TV shows, a YouTube channel, brand partnerships and live events. The couple’s inaugural bestselling cookery book – John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen - was published in 2024 and was shortly followed by their ITV series, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, now in its ninth season.
John and Lisa’s second book, John & Lisa’s Weeknight Meals, will be published in September 2026. Their new YouTube channel featuring approachable recipes and inspired hacks was an instant hit– John & Lisa’s Kitchen & Home - quickly gained over 13k subscribers and over 360k views.
Bristol-born Dean Edwards is best known for his appearances on morning TV where his cost-cutting and family-friendly recipes, cheeky personality and accessible approach to cooking have made him a firm favourite with viewers and social media followers.
After the whirlwind of MasterChef, Dean made his TV chef debut on ITV’s This Morning. His family-friendly cooking style proved immensely popular with millions of viewers. Author of seven cookbooks, the latest being Complete BBQ Made Easy: A family-friendly BBQ guide due for publication on 14th May 2026.
MasterChef 2025 Runner-up, and local Nottingham lass, Claire Syrenne is a writer, cook and podcaster who champions the hard-working home cook. Her cooking is rooted in the generous sharing dishes she ate growing up in Yorkshire, flavours from her time living on the west coast of Canada and sweet treats from her Danish relatives. Claire helps cooks build their confidence with easy to cook meals that bring flavour and joy to the family table.
Chris Bavin holds the reins to the cookery theatre chat and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to grilling the celebrity chefs. Chris is one of the leading faces in food and consumer television. A favourite and familiar face at food festivals across the country. Renowned for his lively, light-hearted and fun interaction with the crowds, Chris is always a big hit with festival visitors.
Chris first appeared on our screens in BBC’s Eat Well for Less and has since gone on to present a further six series of the show. As well as being a regular reporter for The One Show, Chris has produced two cookbooks, ‘Good Food Sorted’ and Fakeaway.
As one of the biggest food and drink shows in the East Midlands, there’s lots to see and do. Tasting and making workshops, children’s cookery school, circus school and so much more.
With bars, cocktails, artisan beers, and live music, you can kick back and soak up the atmospheric entertainment.
The 500 seated Cookery Theatre will welcome another helping of TV Chefs on Sunday 20thSeptember. To be announced over the coming weeks.
Unlock the secret ingredient to a value for money day out, with tickets from just £12, available via the festival website, VIP tickets, children, and family ticket options are also available, and under six years go free.
festivaloffoodanddrink.com
