The 20th edition of The Stone Food & Drink Festival takes place at Stone’s Westbridge Park next month; transforming the space into a food-lovers’ haven on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May.
There’s an exciting new line-up in store for visitors this year – not least on the refreshed Culinary Showcase Stage which, kindly sponsored by Lunar Wedgwood, will feature a packed programme of cookery demonstrations from top local chefs, appearances by stars of the Great British Bake Off and talks from passionate local producers.
Headlining the event each day will be a different star from the hit TV show; with 2024 alumni Sumayah Kazi appearing on Friday; 2023 winner Matty Edgell taking the stage on Saturday and 2024 fan favourite Nelly Ghaffar entertaining the crowds on Sunday.
Friday 9th May
Other chefs appearing on the line-up include Lunar’s own Kris Redshaw, who will showcase dishes that embody the spirit of the award-winning restaurant when he performs daily at 3pm. Festival regular Allan Jones, who offers elegant dining in the comfort of your own home through his A la Carte at Home venture will appear at 2pm on Friday, followed by Kris at 3pm and Sumayah at 4pm. At 5pm head chef from The Moat House at Acton Trussell, James Cracknell, will take the stage with Friday’s programme rounded off by a demonstration and tasting of cocktails by mixologists from Aston Marina’s No.26 bar & Restaurant.
Saturday 10th May
The Saturday line-up kicks off with Stone-based Ukrainian Chef Oksana Harris demonstrating dishes from her home country at 11am, followed by a treat for beer lovers in the form of an exploration of Joule’s beers ‘from grain to glass’ with Joule’s Brewery head brewer Sam Riley. 1pm Saturday will see Andrew Watts demonstrate decadent dishes from the menus at The Tawny’s Plumicorn restaurant, before Matty Edgell makes his appearance at 2pm and Lunar’s Kris Redshaw takes the stage at 3pm. At 4pm on Saturday, Jake Lowndes from Stone’s very own Little Seeds will showcase his unique cookery style and at 5pm Senor Tigre’s James Hitchin will demonstrate authentic Mexican street food. The final Saturday slot at 6pm will see David Hunter of Nelson’s Distillery give an insightful talk on the history of Gin and Rum (with plenty of tasters along the way).
Sunday 11th May
Sunday will start off with a caffeine-rush from Instagram sensations The Movin’ Mug who will talk about their journey to date – and how they’ve bought their double-decker coffee bus ‘home’ to Stone for the festival at 11am. 12 noon will see Amy Roberts from Stone eatery Granville’s showcase her culinary skill while ay 1pm it’s the turn of Andy Pickstock, head of events catering at Aston Marina, to share top tips for keen cooks. GBBO’s Nelly Ghaffar will then take the stage at 2pm, before Lunar’s Kris Redshaw gives his final demonstration of the weekend at 3pm. The programme comes to a close with Ian ‘Brad’ Bradford of Lymestone Brewery talking about the challenges faced by local breweries and how Lymestone is evolving for the future – with ample opportunities to taste their brews!
Alongside the Culinary Showcase lineup, revellers can look forward to fantastic live music; interactive foodie fun on the Competition Stage (including the chance to enter the first ever Great Stone Bake Off), lots of family fun, food & drink shopping, homewares and a great range of street food eateries and bars.
Tickets for the event are now on sale via the festival website, priced at £10 per person, per day or £20 for a three-day pass; child tickets are £3 per day or £6 for 3-day ticket (gate prices £10pp Friday; £14pp per day sat & Sun with accompanied children free on Friday / £5 per child aged 3-16 on Sat & Sun).
The 2025 Stone Food & Drink Festival will take place at Stone’s Westbridge Park on 9th, 10th & 11th May. To book your tickets head to www.stonefooddrink.org.uk
