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.

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.

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.

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.

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.