Tom Rhodes, Masterchef 2021 Champion is announced to go on tour with the biggest food and drink festival series in the UK - and coming to Bristol!

FOODIES FESTIVAL – the biggest gourmet food, drink and music festival series in the UK – will be returning to Bristol this September,- featuring MasterChef and Bake Off champions and chart-topping favourites Scouting For Girls!

Tom Rhodes, newly crowned champion of MasterChef 2021, will be joining the star-studded line up, cooking live to an audience for the first time since appearing on the hit BBC TV show. Millions people tuned in to watch Tom win the tense final on Wednesday evening.

He said: “I’m a huge fan of Foodies Festival, so I’m over the moon that it’s back this year. As well as all the amazing food, drinks and live music, I’ll be there and can’t wait to share my favourite recipes and quick kitchen tricks. The Foodies Festival really feels like the perfect way to kick back and celebrate this summer and I’m excited to see you all there.”

Other award-winning chefs taking part at Durdham Downs this summer, include: Alex Webb, MasterChef The Professionals champion and fellow competitor Philli Armitage-Mattin. MasterChef 2021 finalists Alexina Anatole and Mike Tomkins, and celebrity Spanish chef, Omar Alibhoy.

The musical feast is just as sumptuous with platinum-selling chart-toppers Scouting For Girls performing their many crowd-pleasing hits, including ’She’s So Lovely’ ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’. Also on the line-up is top-ranked Lady Gaga tribute act Maybe Gaga and the UK best Killers tribute- The Killerz.

Over fifty excellent bands and artists will take to the stage across the long weekend.
Scouting For Girls star Roy Stride said, “After a long, dismal year away from touring and seeing our fans, we’re all hugely excited to be playing Foodies Festival.

“It’s not just because we’ll finally be playing our favourite songs again to a real-life crowd as the sun sets on a perfect summer’s day out, it’s also the sense of liberation and relief that will come with the fest for everyone involved.

“The fact that we’ll all be able to sample an amazing smorgasbord of food and drink from around the world is another great bonus.”

Foodies Festival began in 2004 and was rapidly dubbed the “Gastro-Glastonbury”. The UK’s  biggest food, drink and music event returns with a vengeance this Summer with Covid-safe events in ten British regions.

At the three-day festival, visitors can enjoy the Chefs Theatre, Cake & Bake Theatre, Drinks Theatre with wine, champagne, beer and cocktail making masterclasses, Shopping Village with award-winning artisan producers, Street Food Avenue, Kids Cookery School and live music stage. Other attractions include Foodies famous chilli eating competition and family friendly areas with activities for children.

Over 200 exhibitors will showcase their produce, providing festival-goers with a fantastic opportunity to sample the best of the region – and to try a huge selection of delicious food and drink from around the world.

Alex Webb, MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2020, is elated to be joining the series. He said: “I'm absolutely delighted to be touring around the country with Foodies Festivals this summer. I’ve been working on lots of delicious new recipes and I can’t wait to see you all in person and cook live on stage!”

Alexina Anatole, MasterChef 2021 finalist, said: “Thrilled to be taking part this year - and amazing to be getting out there after the year we’ve all had! Expect strong, bold and bitter flavours….my favourite!”

Mike Tomkins, MasterChef 2021 finalist, said: "I’m absolutely buzzing to be involved with Foodies Festival this year! I think it’s the type of event we were all desperate for last year, hopefully I can give you guys something you’ll want to run home and try for yourself!”

Also appearing on the mouth-watering menu – Dan Bowden from the luxury Berwick Lodge Hotel, Eva Humphries - The Wholefood Warrior and Malaysian chef and author, Norman Musa.

Festival Director Sue Hitchen said: “I’m delighted we are returning to Bristol this year,  bringing top chefs to cook live and big name music acts to our stage.

“As we are outdoors and in local parks we are able to plan Covid safe festivals, and our experienced Health and Safety team are working closely with local councils across the country to make sure we take all appropriate measures and follow government guidelines to keep everyone safe.

“There has never been a better time to support local restaurants and food producers and we are all ready to enjoy a fun day out with friends.”

For the third year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) with tickets raising money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis.

MAH founder Emma Rule said: “The last year has been incredibly difficult for charities, we are so pleased to be back at Foodies with our music stage and brilliant artists, raising much needed funds.”

Dates and Ticket prices:
Durdham Downs, Stoke Road, Bristol
Friday 10th September - Sunday 12th September
Adult day ticket price £19
Weekend Ticket £29
Children aged 12 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com and 0844 9951111