Andrew Dickens is a British chef known for his bold, produce-led cooking and modern approach to seasonal cuisine. With a career shaped by working in high-level kitchens across the UK, he has developed a style that combines refined technique with a passion for honest, flavour-driven food. His dishes celebrate the best of British ingredients, often elevated with contemporary twists and global influences. A confident and engaging presence, Andrew brings both skill and personality to the stage, making complex techniques feel accessible and inspiring for all audiences. At a food festival, he delivers an exciting blend of innovation and approachability -sharing his love of great produce, clever cooking, and unforgettable flavours.

Atul Kochhar is a pioneering chef known for modernising Indian cuisine, combining traditional spices with British ingredients. He was the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, redefining perceptions of Indian food with his refined, ingredient-led approach. He has earned multiple Michelin stars and operates several acclaimed restaurants. A familiar face on television and a passionate advocate for cultural storytelling through food, Atul’s cooking celebrates heritage, innovation, and the power of flavour to bring people together.

Nathan “Big Nath” Ritchie is a self-taught, award-winning chef and the creative force behind Big Nath’s BBQ – a lockdown-born venture that has grown into one of Bristol’s most beloved BBQ brands. Fuelled by a deep passion for smoking meats and using the finest locally sourced ingredients, Nathan and his partner Kinsey, have transformed a humble street food stall into a thriving business. Today, Big Nath’s BBQ spans event catering, a dedicated BBQ school, and a specialist BBQ shop.

After years of baking at home and cultivating her creativity and skill, Briony first came to the public’s attention as she launched onto our screens during nine stressful weeks in the tent on the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4. Progressing through the competition to the semi-final, Briony’s humour and warmth, coupled with her resilience and ingenuity saw her become a firm favourite with the audience.

Cherish Finden is an internationally acclaimed pastry chef celebrated for her precision, creativity, and show-stopping dessert designs. Born in Singapore, she trained in some of the country’s leading hotels before bringing her talents to London, where she quickly rose to the top of the pastry world. As Executive Pastry Chef at The Langham London, Cherish earned widespread acclaim for her exquisite afternoon teas and intricately crafted patisserie, combining technical mastery with bold artistic flair. Her work consistently pushes the boundaries of modern dessert presentation. A familiar face on television, Cherish is best known as a judge on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals, where her exacting standards and expert palate have made her a standout. At a food festival, she brings elegance, inspiration, and world-class expertise—offering audiences a rare chance to experience the artistry and precision behind truly exceptional pastry.

Cyrus Todiwala is one of Britain’s most respected chefs and a passionate ambassador for Indian cuisine. Born in Mumbai and now based in London, he is the chef-patron of Café Spice Namasté, renowned for its authentic Parsi and regional Indian cooking. With a career spanning over four decades, he is celebrated for championing sustainability, reducing food waste, and educating the next generation of chefs. He’s a regular on our screens from shows such as Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen, as well as his own series The Incredible Spice Men: Todiwala And Singh (alongside his pal and fellow chef Tony Singh). He combines deep culinary knowledge with infectious enthusiasm, making him hugely popular.

Dame Prue Leith made her name with her Michelin-starred restaurant Leith’s, and Leith’s school of Food and Wine which she sold in 1995. She has written sixteen cookery books, eight novels, and her memoir was published in 2013. She has worked as a columnist for the Daily Mail, the Sunday Express, the Guardian and the Daily Mirror. Her first television appearance was in the 1970s as a presenter, and she returned to television to be a judge on The Great British Menu for 11 years. Last year her ten-part cookery series Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen aired on ITV1, and she is currently filming her third series. Nothing if not adventurous, earlier this year she appeared in The Masked Singer as “Pegasus”, and over the last two years has 'walked’ for the designers Vin and Omi in London Fashion week, once wearing a ‘bondage’ latex dress, and once a gown made of recycled RAF parachute silk. Prue Leith has most recently been on our screens in the sixteenth series of The Great British Bake Off, for which she has been a judge since 2017

Eva Humphries MSc, DipION, mBANT, CNHC is a clinical nutritionist, cookery demonstrator and speaker who makes eating well feel refreshingly doable. With over ten years of experience across clinical practice, media and live events, Eva is known for using storytelling, humour and clear thinking to turn nutrition science into advice we can actually put into action. A firm sceptic of food fads and nutritional nonsense, Eva champions whole, flavour-packed food that works in real life. Her cookery demos blend practical cooking tips with smart nutrition know-how, while her talks offer clear, science-led insights that are empowering instead of overwhelming.

Expect learning and plenty of “oh, that actually makes sense” moments. Outside of festivals, Eva runs a successful nutrition clinic and regularly contributes expert commentary to national publications including The Telegraph, The Times and Women’s Health. She also delivers corporate wellbeing programmes and hosts retreats, all underpinned by a simple belief: nutrition is only useful if it actually helps us live and eat well.

Attend one of Eva’s sessions for entertaining, practical know-how and a reassuring reminder that eating well should be enjoyable.

Francesco Mattana is a dynamic Italian chef bringing the bold, vibrant flavours of his homeland to the UK’s food scene. Originally from Sardinia, he blends traditional Italian techniques with a modern, creative edge, crafting dishes that celebrate seasonality, simplicity, and exceptional ingredients.

Francesco has built a strong reputation through restaurant kitchens, pop-ups, and festival appearances, where his passion for authentic Italian cooking shines. Known for his warm personality and engaging style, he creates dishes that are both refined and approachable - from handmade pasta to beautifully balanced seafood and flame-cooked specialities. A natural performer, Francesco brings energy, storytelling, and expert technique to every stage. Whether sharing classic recipes or contemporary twists, he offers audiences an immersive taste of Italy. At a food festival, expect big flavours, culinary flair, and an unforgettable celebration of Italian cuisine.

Nicknamed the “Yummy Brummie,” Glynn is chef-patron of Purnell’s, the Michelin-starred restaurant that put Birmingham firmly on the UK’s culinary map. Glynn is one of the UK’s most influential and charismatic chefs, celebrated for his bold flavours and uncompromising approach to modern British cooking. With a career defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality, Glynn is also a familiar television personality and cookbook author. Known for his straight-talking style and infectious energy, he is a hugely engaging presence at food festivals, inspiring audiences with passion, personality, and platefuls of flavour.

Gok Wan is a renowned British fashion stylist, presenter, and chef who grew up working in his family’s Chinese restaurant. He has championed simple, home-style Chinese cooking through books like Gok Cooks Chinese and Gok's Wok, promoting a "Chinese Basket of Love" (staple pantry ingredients) for healthy, fast, and accessible Asian cuisine

Kwoklyn Wan is a charismatic TV chef and the author of seven best-selling Chinese cookbooks, including ‘Chinese Takeaway Cookbook’ and ‘Chinese Made Easy’. With his trademark energy and flavour-packed cooking, Kwoklyn has become the go-to guy for recreating your favourite takeaway dishes at home. He’s the star of ‘Chinese Takeaway Kitchen’ and ‘Man With a Wok’, and a regular favourite on the food festival circuit. This year, he’s swapping the studio for the outdoors in his brand-new show ‘Camp Wok’, celebrating bold East Asian flavours cooked up in the heart of the great British countryside.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs, renowned for her elegant, produce-led cooking and modern British style. She is the executive chef of Northcote, the Michelin-starred restaurant where she has helped shape its culinary reputation for over two decades. Known for her meticulous technique and deep respect for seasonal ingredients, Lisa has become a leading voice in British gastronomy. A familiar face on television and a passionate mentor to young chefs, she brings warmth, inspiration, and exceptional flavour to every stage she steps onto.

Mark Wogan is a broadcaster, live host and restaurateur with a lifelong connection to radio, music and bringing people together. The son of legendary presenter Sir Terry Wogan, Mark has forged his own path in the industry, known for his warm, engaging style and natural stage presence.

Alongside his work on national radio and at major live events, Mark is also the co-founder of Homeslice Pizza, the much-loved London restaurant brand renowned for its bold flavours and vibrant atmosphere. His passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences extends far beyond the studio, reflecting his love of great food, great music and great company.

Molly Robbins turns cake into lifelike art! Swapping a career in special effects makeup for sugarcraft, Molly uses her expertise in sculpting and airbrushing to create breathtaking, edible replicas of animals and food. Famous as a featured artist on all four series of Extreme Cake Makers (seen worldwide on Netflix), she is a familiar face at international conventions and demonstrations. In 2022, she opened her own studio, "molly’s," bringing her unique, high-end creations to life.

Paul A. Young is one of the UK’s most celebrated master chocolatiers and pâtissiers, famed for his bold creativity and boundary-pushing approach to flavour. Originally trained as a pastry chef in prestigious kitchens - including Marco Pierre White’s Quo Vadis and Criterion - he turned his focus to chocolate in the mid-2000s, quickly making his mark on the industry.

In 2006, he founded Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates in Camden Passage, London, earning widespread acclaim for his inventive, experimental creations. Now focused on education, he shares his expertise through “Chocolate At Home” masterclasses and consultancy, inspiring a new generation of chocolate lovers.

An award-winning author, his book Adventures with Chocolate was named World’s Best Chocolate Book at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards, alongside other popular titles. A regular on shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Junior MasterChef, Paul brings passion, personality, and a taste of true artisan chocolate to every stage - making him a must-see at any food festival.

Phil Vickery is a former England rugby captain and World Cup winner, celebrated for his strength on the field and his passion for great British food. A key figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, Phil earned over 70 international caps and is widely respected as one of the game’s finest props.

Since retiring from professional rugby, Phil has turned his focus to food, farming, and fire cooking, becoming a passionate advocate for quality British produce. Raised in Cornwall, his love of the land and sea continues to influence his cooking style, which champions simple, hearty dishes packed with flavour.

He won the sixth season of Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 and was considered "serious talent" by judges, wowing them with dishes like duck breast with lentils and chorizo. His cooking style focuses on fresh, seasonal, and carefully judged flavours, influenced by his rural upbringing.

Expect big flavours, open-fire cooking, and behind-the-scenes stories from both the rugby pitch and the kitchen.

Richard Bertinet is an internationally respected baker, teacher, and author, renowned for transforming how people understand and work with dough. Born in Brittany and based in the UK, he is the founder of The Bertinet Kitchen, where his hands-on, instinctive approach has inspired thousands of professional and home bakers. Best known for his influential book Dough, Richard is also a familiar face on television and at food festivals worldwide. Passionate, generous, and deeply knowledgeable, he brings infectious energy and mastery of craft to every demonstration and workshop.

Celebrating their fifth year at CarFest, Samantha Evans and Shauna Guinn, the award-winning duo behind Hang Fire BBQ, return to CarFest with their trademark fire-cooked flair. Known for championing authentic global barbecue in the UK, Sam and Shauna have become firm favourites at the festival for their warm hospitality and unrivalled bbq knowledge.

As hosts of the Napoleon Big BBQ Cookout Stage, they bring together some of the best chefs in the country, curating an unmissable programme of live-fire cooking, masterclasses, and fun-filled demonstrations. Expect big personalities, bold dishes, expert knowledge and plenty of laughs along the way.

Shivi Ramoutar is a vibrant chef, food writer, and broadcaster celebrated for her joyful approach to Caribbean cooking. Drawing on her Trinidadian heritage, she creates bold, flavour-packed dishes that honour tradition while embracing modern creativity. Since her appearance on MasterChef, Shivi has been a regular on our screens, making appearances on Saturday Kitchen, This Morning before fronting the series Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast, alongside Jimmy Doherty. She’s known for her warmth, energy, and infectious love of spice, giving traditional Caribbean recipes a modern twist and making them family friendly.

The Happy Pear is the vibrant plant-based food brand founded by twin brothers David Flynn and Stephen Flynn. Hailing from Greystones, they began their journey with a small fruit and veg shop and a simple mission: to help people eat more vegetables and live healthier, happier lives. Since then, The Happy Pear has grown into a global movement, spanning cafés, cookbooks, online courses, and a hugely popular social media presence. Known for their high-energy style and feel-good approach, the twins inspire audiences with delicious, accessible plant-based recipes and practical lifestyle tips.

Regulars on TV and bestselling authors, they bring enthusiasm, humour, and a passion for wellness to everything they do. At a food festival, The Happy Pear deliver an uplifting experience packed with flavour, positivity, and plenty of inspiration to eat well and live better.

Thuy Diem Pham is a bestselling author, chef, and widely recognised authority on Vietnamese cuisine in the UK. Formerly head chef and restaurateur of London’s acclaimed The Little Viet Kitchen, she became known for blending refined restaurant technique with the warmth and soul of home-style Vietnamese cooking. Since stepping beyond her award-winning restaurant, Thuy has captivated audiences at food festivals and on television, including MasterChef UK. She is the author of three cookbooks, the bestselling The Little Viet Kitchen and Vietnamese Made Easy, and her brand new release, One Pan Vietnam. Through her writing, broadcasting, and consultancy work, she continues to make authentic Vietnamese food approachable, vibrant, and deeply personal for today’s cooks.

Tom Kerridge is one of the UK’s most popular chefs, celebrated for his bold, modern take on classic comfort food. He rose to national acclaim as chef-patron of The Hand and Flowers - the first pub in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars - renowned for its refined yet deeply satisfying dishes. He later expanded his success with ventures including The Coach.

A familiar and much-loved face on television, Tom has appeared on Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen, and his own hit series, bringing his down-to-earth style and passion for great food to audiences nationwide. He is also a bestselling author, known for cookbooks that combine big flavours with practical, accessible recipes.

At a food festival, Tom Kerridge delivers an unforgettable experience - full of energy, warmth, and seriously delicious food - sharing his love of bold flavours, great ingredients, and feel-good cooking with every crowd he meets.