Tom Rhodes, Masterchef 2021 champion, is announced to go on tour with Foodies Festival

The food-lovers festival that is affectionately dubbed the ‘Gastro-Glastonbury’ returns for 2021 with ten Covid-safe festival sites across the UK. This year is set to be even more eventful - with Masterchef 2021’s recently crowned champion, Tom Rhodes, joining an already star-studded line up of Masterchef and Bake-off stars.

Tom explains “I’m a huge fan of Foodies Festival, so I’m over the moon that it’s back this year. As well as all the amazing food, drinks and live music, I’ll be there and can’t wait to share my favourite recipes and quick kitchen tricks. The Foodies Festival really feels like the perfect way to kick back and celebrate this summer and I’m excited to see you all there.”

Tom will be one of a host of famous faces including MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2020, Alex Webb. Alex will be cooking live and inviting chefs from each region to create incredible dishes on stage. Other famous faces who will be cooking up a storm this summer include much-loved champions of Great British Bake Off Peter Sawkins (2020) and Candice Brown (2016).

The music at the festivals will be just as delicious, with Murder On The Dance Floor star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, platinum- selling chart-toppers Scouting For Girls and must-loved Toploader joining the fun.

At each three-day festival, attendees will be able to visit the Chefs Theatre, Cake and Bake Theatre and the Drinks Theatre where they can take part in cocktail, wine and champagne masterclasses. The festival’s Shopping Village will be filled with award-winning artisan producers and a Street Food Avenue will be there for those looking to grab a bite (or two!). Other attractions at the festivals will include plenty of family-friendly areas with activities for children and the now-famous Foodies chilli eating competition.

Director Sue Hitchen said: “We’re really looking forward to celebrating good quality food in each region, bringing top chefs to cook live, with great musical acts to get everyone smiling again.

“As we are outdoors and in local parks, we are able to plan Covid safe festivals, and our experienced Health & Safety team are working closely with local councils across the country to make sure we take all appropriate measures and follow government guidelines to keep everyone safe. There has never been a better time to support local restaurants and food producers and we are all ready to enjoy a fun day out with friends.”

For the third year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) with tickets raising money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis.