Published October 26th, 2016
The organisers of Cornwall’s largest food festival have revealed the full line up of culinary stars confirmed to appear in Padstow from December 1-4.
Chefs Tom Kerridge and Clare Smyth are among the famous names set to appear at the free event, which hosts over 60 chef demonstrations on two stages in the heart of the town.
Chef, author and TV presenter Tom Kerridge of The Hand and Flowers will be joined by local hero Paul Ainsworth to demo on Friday. Then on Saturday he will be taking part in what’s likely to be a lively food forum with Rick Stein, Mitch Tonks and Tom Parker Bowles.
Michelin Female Chef 2017 Clare Smyth will be entertaining the crowds on Sunday afternoon with a demo in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre, hosting other names including Michael Caines and Pitt Cue’s Tom Adams of Coombeshead Farm, which was recently named one of the best British Foodie Hotels by The Sunday Times.
Tina Evans, festival organiser said: “We are overwhelmed by how many incredible chefs will be joining us this year.
“The intimate feel in the town allows guests and chefs to rub shoulders throughout the weekend. Visitors have the opportunity to see innovative and passionate chefs who are usually only accessible via their television shows.”
Organisers have also announced more than 30 local chefs set to showcase their talents on the Festival Stage, including Masterchef winner James Nathan and Andy Appleton from nearby Appleton’s at Trevibban Mill.
Nathan Outlaw will open the festival on Thursday followed by a demo immediately after at 12pm in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre.
Nick White, Sharp’s Brewery events manager, said: “We are thrilled to once again be a headline sponsor of the Padstow Christmas Festival. After a busy year supporting events around the county and beyond, it’s great to be back so close to home in Rock at one of our favourite events of the year. We are looking forward to seeing a whole host of amazing chefs, tasting the dishes, and of course sipping some of our award winning beers which will pair beautifully with some of the exceptional Cornish food on offer.
“The Sharp’s team will be welcoming visitors into the Sharp’s Chef Theatre and our Secret Bar – if you can find it! Also Zack Hawke, from Sharp’s and Nathan Outlaw’s pub The Mariners, will be joining Sharp’s Beer Sommelier Ed Hughes on stage on Friday, pairing Sharp’s exceptional beers with Zack’s delicious food.
“Festival-goers can also expect to find ‘Beer Bingo’ in the Festival Kitchen and Sharp’s Brewery is offering Padstow Christmas Festival attendees a chance to win an ultimate beer and food adventure with Michelin starred chef Nathan Outlaw. Visitors can enter at the festival or atwww.sharpsbrewery.co.uk/competition/beer-food-adventure.”
In addition to the popular chef demos the festival has become famous for its traditional Christmas market, packed with more than 100 artisan crafts, food and drink producers from across the country. Figgy’s Puddings, Padstow Brewing Company and Kernow Spa are among the exhibitors appearing in the market.
Other highlights of the festival include live music on the bandstand throughout the weekend; a Santa versus Elves fun run on Saturday; and the annual spectacular firework display on Friday evening.
For the timetable, full chef line up and more information visit the Padstow Christmas Festival website www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk. Visitors can also keep up to date with festival events on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
