THE UK’S biggest food and drink festival is coming to Bournemouth for the first time this autumn.

Foodies Festival will visit Kings Park in Boscombe between Friday, September 17 and Sunday, September 19.

It will feature MasterChef and Bake Off champions, more than 50 music acts and gastronomic delights from around the world.

Festival Director Sue Hitchen said: “I am delighted to bring Foodies Festival to Bournemouth, celebrating the delicious local produce and wonderful restaurants in Dorset, as well as recognising its great seafood.

“As we’re outdoors we are able to plan Covid safe festivals, and our experienced Health and 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 in the region and we are all ready to enjoy a fun day out with friends.”

What is Foodies Festival?

The event launched in 2005 as a single event and will return this summer with 10 Covid safe events taking place across the country.

At the three-day festival, visitors can enjoy the Chefs Theatre, Cake & Bake Theatre, Drinks Theatre with wine, champagne, beer and cocktail making masterclasses, Shopping Village with award-winning artisan producers, Street Food Avenue, Kids Cookery School and live music stage.

Other attractions include a chilli eating competition and family friendly areas with activities for children.

Over 150 exhibitors will showcase their produce, providing festival-goers with the opportunity to sample the best of the south coast and try a huge selection of delicious food from around the world.

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

Which chefs are taking part?

Masterchef 2021 champion Tom Rhodes and finalist Laura Michael, MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2020 Alex Webb, MasterChef 2020 winner Thomas Frake, and fellow finalist Sandy Tang.

Alex Webb, MasterChef: The Professionals champion 2020, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be touring around the country with Foodies Festivals this summer. I’ve been working on lots of delicious new recipes and I can’t wait to see you all in person and cook live on stage!”

Last year’s MasterChef champion Thomas Frake said: “I am thrilled that Foodies Festival is back with a bang this summer and I can’t wait to share my favourite recipes and my top cooking tips with all you foodies out there! We all deserve a fun filled day out this summer so hope to see you there!”

What music acts are lined-up?

More than 50 bands and artists will participate including Queen tribute Flash, UK’s leading Killers tribute band The Killerz and Kylie Minogue tribute Kylie on Show.

There will be more than 40 bands and artists performing from Bournemouth and further afield.

When and where is it?

Foodies Festival will visit Kings Park in Boscombe between Friday, September 17 and Sunday, September 19. 

How much are tickets and how do I buy them? 

Adult day tickets are £19 with weekend tickets £29.  Children aged 12 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com.