THAME FOOD FESTIVAL kicks off this weekend (September 24-26) with an astonishing schedule of things to do, see, watch, taste, eat, drink, buy, try and enjoy. From markets to cooking demonstrations, big names to live music, kids activities and even a pop up pub – it’s all going on.
Here is our guide on the top 10 things to do:
- Artisan Food Market – Try over 100 food and drink producers offering a delicious mix of sweet, savoury, hot, cold, vegan, vegetarian and flavours from right the way around the world. And while you’re there stop and listen to the Hemley Hillbillies who are raising money for Parkinsons.
2) Street Food – You’ll be spoiled for choice at the wonderful street food stalls with influences from around the world from the Turkish Berlin Doner to Go Greek and The Pizza Boys Bicester and Wow Bao Club. You’ll be well fed.
3) The Queen Elizabeth Big Cookery Stage – Some incredible names and demonstrations will be taking place throughout the weekend with some top chefs and bakers. Located within the Festival Village watch everyone from winner of the Great British Bake Off Giuseppe Dell’Anno and MasterChef Winner Eddie Scott to Alex Hollywood and Lucie Ellis of The Milkshed. READ ABOUT THE STARS here.
4) Masterclass Marquee – Brand new for 2022 with regular sessions every day and over the weekend. Take a seat and listen to the experts as they offer tips and techniques, professional secrets and their invaluable experience. With anything from Cocktails to Cheese and Chocolate to Tea, inspiration awaits you.
5) Food Glorious Food Tent – Join host Suzy Pelta for some informal, cosy chats with some of the fabulous food and drink producers. A chance to hear their story, find out more about their delicious produce and ask questions. There may even be a sample or two!
6) Kids Activities including Fun Kitchen Cookery Workshops – 30 minute cooking ‘lessons’ for children for those aged 3 and over. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
7) Live Music Stage – A wonderful celebration of music with an eclectic lineup spanning eras and genres. Expect a unique blend of blues, rock, pop, reggae, beats, folk and soul. Enjoy Bootlegger‘s classic rock, singer songwriter Emillia, Asphyxia a local 3-piece band from Oxford, self-taught musician Meg Lawrenson, students and tutors from Thame Music Academy, acoustic group Restless Oceans, modern rock covers group The Band With No Name, creative and versatile pianist and songwriter Hugh Anderson, local singer Phoebe Yates, singer, guitarist and pianist Anoushka, funk from The Broadband, Paul Chapman from Chinnor’s finger picking style guitar and The Time Travellers mix of rock and roll, rockabilly and country.
8) Pop-Up Pub – bursting with local award-winning brews from XT Brewing, West Berkshire Brewery, Rebellion Brewery and Hook Norton Brewery. From crisp craft Renegade lager and ‘No brainer’ cider from Costwold Cider on tap to deliciously decadent cocktails, Pimms, wines, fizz and non-alcoholic drinks.
9) Shopping Marquee – a gorgeous selection of small independent businesses selling unexpected homewares, gifts and accessories. Pick up a lovely scented candle, a throw for the sofa, a stunning piece of jewellery, a new bag, some kitchenware, something for the garden and you could event kickstart your Christmas shopping!
10) Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Fun Dog Show! All the money raised on the day goes directly to the charity! Enter your four legged champion into one (or more) of the categories including – Waggiest Tail, Cutest puppy (dog under 1 year old), Musical sits, Golden Oldie (for dogs 8 of more years old), Best biscuit catch and Dog the judge would most like to take home. Pop by to enter your dog or for a chat with one of the dog handlers.
Thame Food Festival runs from Saturday September 24 to Sunday September 25. Go to https://thamefoodfestival.co.uk/whats-on/ for more information
