Celebrity chefs have been confirmed for the 2026 Stone Food and Drink Festival, which returns to Westbridge Park in May.
Celebrating 21 years as one of Staffordshire’s best-loved foodie events, the 2026 festival promises a packed programme of food, drink and entertainment, with headline chef demonstrations, appearances from top local chefs across all three days, live music and family-friendly fun.
Saturday 9 May will see the return of Nelly Ghaffar, back by popular demand after being a huge hit with festival-goers last year. Fresh from her return to the GBBO kitchen for The Great New Year’s Bake Off and with a new book under her belt, Nelly will take to the demonstration kitchen before heading to the VIP zone for Meet & Greets, and will also help judge the Saturday leg of the festival’s Great Stone Bake Off competition.
Also headlining Saturday is world-renowned chocolatier Paul A Young. A multiple award-winner and regular on shows including Saturday Kitchen and This Morning, Paul is now proudly based in Stone, where he runs his Chocolate At Home school. Expect expert insight, irresistible chocolate inspiration and plenty of crowd appeal.
Adding even more energy to Saturday’s programme, popular local personality Shane Nolan will roll up his sleeves to test his culinary skills in the demo kitchen, and also lead fun-packed family entertainment on the live music stage.
On Sunday 10 May, the festival welcomes one of the UK’s best-known cake experts, Juliet Sear to headline the demonstration stage. A regular presenter on ITV’s This Morning, Juliet is celebrated for making show-stopping bakes accessible to home cooks, and has created edible masterpieces for everyone from Sir Ian McKellen to Prince Harry.
With live cookery demos, great live music, street food, artisan producers, family fun and a brand-new VIP zone for 2026, the 21st Stone Food & Drink Festival is set to be a standout weekend in the midland’s foodie calendar.
For updates and tickets, visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk
