Emma Mykytyn Foodies Festival Returns to Edinburgh and Glasgow with Celebrity Chefs, Live Music and Foodie Experiences
Scotland’s food lovers are in for a treat this summer as the popular Foodies Festival returns to both Edinburgh and Glasgow this August, bringing together some of the UK’s biggest culinary talents alongside a packed programme of live music and family-friendly entertainment.
Now celebrating its 21st year, the UK’s largest touring food and music festival promises another unforgettable weekend of eating, drinking and entertainment, with appearances from leading TV chefs, award-winning bakers, top Scottish restaurants and chart-topping music acts.
Celebrity Chefs and Culinary Stars
Visitors can expect an impressive line-up of culinary talent across the festival’s live cooking stages, featuring stars from MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu.
Among the early names confirmed are MasterChef 2025 champion Harry Maguire and finalist Sophie Surgue, Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant Jessika Trassell, MasterChef: The Professionals star Rohan Wadke, MasterChef contestant Jilly McCord, Great British Menu 2026 chef Jun Au, TV chef and radio presenter Nigel Brown, and MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin.
Representing Scotland’s thriving food scene will be an exciting selection of acclaimed chefs, including Peter McKenna of Eleven Fifty Five, Barry Bryson of Barry Fish, Jack Montgomery from Michelin-recommended Argile, Alan Keery of award-winning Naidair, Craig Nelson from Michelin-recommended Ox and Finch, and Ashley Bennett of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Ka Pao.
Many more chefs, bakers and food personalities are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Live Music Line-Up Announced
Foodies Festival is as much about the music as it is the food, with a stellar line-up of live performances set to soundtrack each weekend.
Festival favourites Scouting For Girls return to perform their biggest hits, while Boyzlife, featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, will bring a set packed with Boyzone and Westlife classics. Pop Idol star Gareth Gates will perform his popular Boyband in the Park show, celebrating iconic boyband anthems from the 1990s and 2000s.
Also taking to the stage is the Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra, combining dance classics, live DJs, vocalists and a full orchestra for an unforgettable festival experience.
Local artists and touring bands will perform throughout each weekend.
Interactive Theatres, Tastings and Competitions
The ever-popular Chefs Theatre will host live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs showcasing signature dishes, kitchen tips and seasonal ingredients, while the Cake & Desserts Theatre will feature star bakers and pastry chefs creating show-stopping sweet treats.
Returning fan favourites include the legendary chilli-eating competition, while 2026 sees the introduction of the Ultimate Hot Wings Challenge for those brave enough to test their spice tolerance.
A brand-new attraction for this year is Ready, Steady, Cook!, an audience-powered culinary showdown where chefs from MasterChef and Great British Menu compete head-to-head in live cooking battles.
Meanwhile, the Drinks Theatre will host expert-led tastings and masterclasses covering wine, Champagne, cocktails, beer and cider, with sessions led by respected drinks experts including Diana Thompson and Rose Murray-Brown.
Fun for Families
Families are well catered for, with plenty of activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the day.
The Kids Cookery School allows children to create dishes they can enjoy on-site or take home, while the new Foodies Treasure Hunt Trail encourages youngsters to explore the festival through interactive clues and challenges.
The Kids Zone will also feature fairground rides, games and family entertainment.
Street Food, Artisan Producers and Shopping
Foodies Festival offers plenty beyond the demonstration stages. Visitors can browse the Shopping Village, discover local makers in the Artisan Market and sample dishes from around the world in the bustling Feasting Tent.
A huge selection of street food traders will serve everything from international cuisine to local Scottish specialities, offering something for every taste.
Dog owners can also bring along their four-legged friends, with dedicated activities, competitions and treats available throughout the weekend.
Foodies Festival Scotland 2026 Dates
Edinburgh
Inverleith Park
7–9 August 2026
Glasgow
Rouken Glen Park
14–16 August 2026
For tickets and further information, visit www.foodiesfestival.com.
