Foodies Festival Oxford 2026
29 August to 01 September
About Foodies Festival Oxford 2026
Oxford Foodies Festival returns for 2026 with three days of culinary delights, live music, and hands-on experiences over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August. Set in South Park, this celebration of food, drink, and entertainment offers something for all ages, tastes, and appetites.
Culinary Experiences
Festival-goers can watch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred chefs, and local culinary stars create their signature summer dishes in the La Española Chefs Theatre. Those looking for hands-on learning can join the Nigel Brown Cook School (£25 supplement) or explore the BBQ Stage, featuring live demonstrations in barbecue and firepit cooking.
Sweet-toothed visitors can discover techniques and recipes in the Cake & Bake Theatre, with expert bakers and Great British Bake Off stars. Meanwhile, the Kids Cookery Theatre invites younger visitors to join in the fun with interactive workshops.
Drinks & Tasting
The Drinks Theatre offers the chance to sample wines, cocktails, and beers under expert guidance. Guests can learn from Tom Surgey of Three Wine Men and ITV This Morning wine expert Joe Wadsack, and meet artisan producers showcasing their latest creations. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of street food from around the world, sample new flavours, and take part in chilli-eating competitions and food challenges.
Live Music & Entertainment
The festival features live music all day. Headliners include Boyzlife on Saturday, Gareth Gates on Sunday, and B*Witched on Monday, BBC Radio 2 host and Eurovision commentator. Festival-goers can also enjoy a Silent Disco (£8 supplement) and additional stage performances throughout the weekend.
Tickets & Access
Tickets start from £3, with weekend passes providing access for all three days. Day tickets are available for visitors preferring to attend on individual days. Adult tickets are £27, young adult tickets £8, and family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) £59. Carers attend free of charge, and dogs are welcome on short leads. Goody Bags are available for £6.
Tickets
Please see important Booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket options:
There are weekend tickets which let you enjoy three days of great food, great music, and great fun, plus day tickets if you prefer to come for the day.
Earlybird tickets on sale now.
Handling and delivery fees may apply to your order.
Carers attend for free.
Opening times*:
Saturday from 11.00am to 9.00pm
Sunday from 11.00am to 9.00pm
Monday from 11.00am to 9.00pm
*Event times are subject to change and subject to license
2026 Headliners
August 29 from 6.00pm
Boyzlife
Boyzlife is a supergroup featuring Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, formerly of Boyzone and Westlife. Keith Duffy achieved six UK number one singles and 16 top-five hits with Boyzone, alongside five number one albums and over 25 million records sold.
Brian McFadden enjoyed 12 UK and Ireland number ones with Westlife and four number one albums. Since forming in 2016, Boyzlife has performed for over 40,000 fans, delivering a show of chart hits from both legendary boybands.
August 30 from 5.00pm
Gareth Gates
A familiar voice from the early 2000s will take to the stage as Gareth Gates joins the Foodies Festival Oxford 2026 line-up. Rising to fame on Pop Idol, Gates quickly became a chart favourite, achieving multi-million record sales and a string of hit singles including Unchained Melody.
Since then, he has built a varied career spanning music, television and West End theatre, performing in productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Known for his smooth vocals and engaging stage presence, Gareth continues to tour widely, delivering a crowd-pleasing mix of classic ballads and upbeat favourites..
August 31 from 5.00pm
B*Witched
Irish pop favourites B*Witched are set to bring their signature energy to Foodies Festival Oxford 2026. Originally rising to fame in the late 90s, the group scored four UK number one singles and sold millions of records worldwide, becoming one of the era’s most recognisable acts.
After reuniting on The Big Reunion, B*Witched returned to sold-out tours and have continued performing ever since. Expect a lively set packed with feel-good hits, nostalgic moments and plenty of singalong favourites.
2026 Chefs
Radhika Howarth
Radhika Howarth is a London-based author, TV chef, and culinary storyteller, known for The World Cook on Amazon Prime and Channel 4’s Double the Money with Sue Perkins. A member of the Guild of Food Writers UK and Women in the Food Industry UK, she shares her passion for global flavours on Instagram (@radikalkitchen). Her debut cookbook, Flavours Without Borders, explores 80 recipes that connect cultures, tracing the history and evolution of ingredients from Porto to Persia and beyond.
Joe Wadsack
Joe Wadsack studied wine-making in Bordeaux and has worked as a wine buyer and consultant for leading UK supermarkets. He appears on Channel 4’s Richard & Judy as a wine expert and hosted Great Wine Walks for UKTV. Joe has won the International Wine & Spirit Communicator of the Year Award and became the youngest International Senior Judge at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Known for his straight-talking style, he has also created interactive virtual wine tastings worldwide.
Andrew Carr
Andrew Carr has spent 27 years honing his skills in AA-rated restaurants, hotels, and gastropubs across North Yorkshire, Australia, and Oxfordshire. Now at The Yurt at Nicholsons, which has earned a place in the Michelin Guide, he focuses on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and plant-based cooking. Andrew is passionate about creating innovative, visually stunning dishes that showcase the best of modern British cuisine, combining culinary craftsmanship with a deep respect for seasonal produce.
Mark Peregrine
Mark Peregrine leads The Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, offering hands-on classes in the Oxfordshire countryside. With over 40 years of culinary experience, he guides students through classic and contemporary recipes, from soufflés to dinner party menus. The school celebrates simplicity, inspired by Raymond Blanc’s beloved Maman Blanc dishes. Whether a beginner or seasoned cook, visitors enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment to develop skills, gain confidence, and discover the joy of cooking in a Michelin-starred setting.
Tom Surgey
Tom Surgey is a leading wine communicator and drinks expert, known for his television appearances and as the author of How to Drink Wine. Recognised for his engaging and playful style, Tom is one of the UK’s top presenters across wine, No & Low Alcohol drinks, and hospitality. He specialises in interactive tastings and live presentations, connecting audiences with both technical knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. Tom’s warm, approachable manner makes wine and drink education entertaining and memorable.
Gary & Jay – The Dishy Dads
Gary and Jay, the Dishy Dads, combine humour and flavour in their unique culinary approach. Known for their podcast Dishy Dads, they share family recipes, fun challenges, and kitchen mishaps, bringing laughter alongside delicious food. From backyard BBQs to Sunday roasts, the duo focus on joy, creativity, and accessible cooking, proving that dads can cook, entertain, and inspire. Their live demos blend recipes with personality, ensuring audiences leave with full bellies and big smiles.
Getting there
On-site parking available, £5.00 per car
Buses 8,9, 4A, 4B, 4C and 400 park & ride bring you to St Clements street stop just a short walk from the South Park Foodies Festival Entrance
