What to expect at Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival 2026

Summer is firmly on the horizon, and with it comes the return of one of the Cotswolds most anticipated celebrations of food, drink and community - the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival.

Set against the elegant backdrop of Montpellier Gardens, in Cheltenham town centre, this year’s festival promises a vibrant weekend of flavours, experiences and entertainment from 19 – 21 June, bringing together producers, chefs and visitors for a true celebration of the region’s thriving hospitality scene.

Visitors can expect a packed programme designed to inspire and delight, with free wine tastings and expert-led talks offering the chance to discover new favourites and deepen knowledge.

Here are 11 unmissable highlights of Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival 2026 -

Chef demonstrations

1. Giuseppe Dell’Anno – Baker extraordinaire

Giuseppe will demonstrate two pillars of classic patisserie in the Chef's Kitchen on Friday. Reserve your place to be present as he reveals all the tricks and secrets for a fool proof choux pastry and the silkiest crème patisserie. These two versatile elements will then be then combined with Amarena sour cherries in a ‘zeppola’: the iconic Italian beignet traditionally served in Southern Italy to celebrate Father’s Day.

2. Oyster Buoys - demystify the mollusc

Learn how this misunderstood mollusc has been an important component of our diet from our coast. Exploring the environmental benefits of eating UK oysters, how they get from farm to fork, how they share more similarities with wine than you think and why we should be looking after our British waters. Reserve your place for this workshop taking place in the Chef's Kitchen on Friday.

3. Nagomi – Korean flavours

One of the main highlights in the Chef's Kitchen on the Saturday, your chance to watch the Nagomi team demonstrate the preparation of a kimchi and beef bulgogi ssam, bringing together fermented kimchi and marinated bulgogi in a modern, comforting dish. The demonstration highlights the richness of Korean culinary traditions and the simplicity of East Asian home-style cooking. Reserve your place.

4. International wine and spirit talks and tastings

An opportunity to sample some of the best wine from around the world, tastings include wines from France, Spain, Chile, Portugal, New Zealand and England. Enjoy free wine talks, (45-minute duration, no need to book, first come, first seated) or for a more in-depth experience delve deeper into the world of wine with exclusive masterclasses. (Available from just £8). Also available, free spirit talks for whisky enthusiasts, gin aficionados, or those simply curious. These expert-led spirit tastings offer a unique opportunity to explore, taste, and learn. Discover new favourites and deepen your appreciation for the craft behind every bottle. (45-minute duration, no need to book, first come, first seated). Discover more.

5. Cheese masterclasses

A cheese lover's dream to sample the delights on offer in masterclasses hosted by two leading cheese experts.
• Emma Young, a cheese specialist and author from London and is an international cheese judge & certified cheese professional (CCP) and she teaches cheese courses for MonS Formation in France & the Guild of Fine Food and the Academy of Cheese in the UK.
• James Grant - The Bucks Cheese Guy will be exploring Welsh cheese from luscious soft cheeses that stand shoulder to shoulder with the best French brie, to bold, characterful Cheddars and lip-tingling blues.

Tickets start from just £8 per person and include drinks. Discover more.

Image of food workshop, visitors enjoying the wine garden, chef at BBQ workshop and Giuseppe Dell'Anno

7. Hayles Farm BBQ stage

A host of grill master's, including The Beefy Boys and Country Woodsmoke, will be sharing their secrets for grilling, join them and discover the best flavours and techniques for your summer BBQ.

8. Kadai Fire Bowl stage

Discover how fire bowl cooking is a more ‘primitive’ cooking style which makes use of multi-level cooking, not only practical and useful, but also enhances a valuable skillset for barbecuing.

9. Live music

The Festival will host some of the best bands around. Join friends and family and relax to the music with a glass of award winning perfectly chilled English sparkling wine from Woodchester Valley Winery.

10. Artisan stalls with delicious produce

Get excited to sample the tastiest and purchase the finest from over 100 exhibitors. Indulge in a wide range of cuisine from oysters and olives to churros and cheese.

11. Kids entertainment

The Festival is an exciting day out for the whole family with street theatre and a traditional Punch and Judy show. Enjoy whilst sitting in the Festival Village, grazing on delicious food purchased at one of the many stalls.

Booking details - Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival 2026

Tickets are available on pre-order from just £7.50 for an adult ticket. Children under 16 go free, provided a ticket-purchasing adult accompanies them. Pre-booking for the masterclasses is essential. For further information and to buy your tickets, visit www.cheltenhamfooddrinkfestival.co.uk