Published September 1st, 2015
A stellar line-up of the UK’s finest chefs will showcase their culinary talents at the eighth Padstow Christmas Festival, between Thursday 3 and Sunday 6 December 2015.
Renowned for its celebrity chef demonstrations and traditional Christmas market, the festival has grown in popularity, drawing in more than 45,000 visitors over four days in 2014.
British chef and television presenter, James Martin, has been announced as a new addition for 2015. James is host of the BBC series Saturday Kitchen, and a best-selling author of 11 cookery books.
Glynn Purnell, regular guest chef on the Saturday Kitchen alongside James Martin will also be making his debut at this year’s festival. The Michelin-starred chef has twice won the Great British Menu and now owns three restaurants in Birmingham.
At the festival’s traditional Christmas market, more than 100 producers will be exhibiting authentic gifts from across the south west. Visitors enjoy Cornish food and drink, artisan clothing and crafts.
Chef, restaurateur and presenter Rick Stein OBE has championed the festival since its inception in 2008. He said: “This is always a special weekend for me and last year I did a demo with two of my sons Jack and Charlie, which was a real highlight.
“The buzz in the back of the demonstration kitchen is electrifying. There’s something intensely exciting but nerve wracking about waiting to go on stage and hearing the applause of someone very talented who’s on before you like Angela Hartnett, Brian Turner or Nieves Barragan Mohacho and hoping you can do as well.
“What I love about it is we’re all chums and it will be great to welcome newcomers James Martin and Glynn Purnell to the festival family this year.
“Every year it seems a little larger and better, but don’t worry it’s never going to get too big – it’s the small scale of it which makes it so special.”
Bringing an eclectic range of culinary styles to the event, Angela Hartnett of London’s Murano, Michael Caines of two Michelin star Gidleigh Park in Devon, and award-winning chef Mitch Tonks, are just some of the big personalities making their return.
Championing the county’s reputation for gastronomic excellence, Cornish chefs including Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw, Rick and Jack Stein and Tom Hunter, will show their signature flair for cookery.
The event is compèred by BBC Radio Cornwall and chefs will share tips and recipes with visitors across two demonstration theatres; The Sharp’s Chefs Theatre and separate Festival Kitchen. Food forums, themed workshops, and chef Q&As complete a packed programme of entertainment.
Nick White, events manager at Sharp’s Brewery, said: “Last year, we unveiled our secret bar at the festival, which was a fantastic talking point.
“We’re particularly excited about returning to Padstow Christmas Festival as a headline sponsor. Alongside our ‘Crate’ experience, we have a few surprises up our sleeve. Visitors can also expect delicious food and beer pairings; we want people to feel inspired and try out ideas at home.”
Other festival highlights include live music, a lantern parade from local school children, Santa’s arrival on a horse drawn Victorian bus, and a spectacular firework display.
For more information and to see a full programme of events, visit www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk.
