Who is appearing at our live cookery theatre stage in 2025
Take a look at our exciting celebrity chefs who are making star appearances at the festival. A stella line up has been announced for our weekend guests as Simon Rimmer – Chef and Co-Presenter of Sunday Brunch, Food Writer, Blogger and Photographer – Jane’s Patisserie, Brin Pirathapan – MasterChef 2024 Champion and our Weekend Cookery Theatre Host – Chris Bavin – TV Chef & Author appear on Saturday. Sunday we have Francesco Mattana – Italian Chef and Content Creator, Cherish Finden – TV Chef & Judge of Bake Off and Paul A Young – Award-Winning Chocolatier.
Simon Rimmer
Chef and Co-Presenter of Sunday Brunch
Appearing Saturday 12th
Simon Rimmer is the Chef and Co-Presenter of Sunday Brunch, the Sunday morning show waking up the nation with a mix of chat, current affairs, guests and food.
Simon has a wealth of TV experience, and has appeared across many channels including BBC, ITV, C4, C5 and UKTV.
Following the success of Sunday Brunch, Simon co-hosted an initial four part Channel 4 documentary Tricks of the Restaurant Trade, giving insight into the tactics employed by many high end and high street restaurants to entice customers, which followed up with a popular Series Two.
Jane’s Patisserie
Food Writer, Blogger and Photographer
Appearing Saturday 12th
Jane Dunn is a Food Writer, Photographer and Blogger. She launched Jane’s Patisserie ten years ago and in that time has amassed a whopping 2.5 million followers across her social media channels with her blog receiving 4 million views per month! Jane has become a 4 x Sunday Times No 1 Best Seller. Her first book, Jane’s Patisserie became the fastest selling baking book ever! Since then she has gone on to publish Jane’s Patisserie Celebrate, Jane’s Patisserie Everyday and her latest Jane’s Patisserie Easy Favourites.
Brin Pirathapan
MasterChef 2024 Champion
Appearing Saturday 12th
Brin Pirathapan is best known as the MasterChef 2024 Champion. After starting his career as a veterinary surgeon, Brin decided to take the leap into the food industry and rose to lift the coveted MasterChef trophy in what was described as the best final in twenty years by judge, John Torode.
Chris Bavin, TV Chef & Author
Weekend Cookery Theatre Host
Since a TV production company first stumbled across him in 2011 he has gone from strength to strength and is co-presenter of BBC1’s hugely successful series Eat Well for Less? with Gregg Wallace. The show has had incredible ratings and the accompanying book is a best seller.
Francesco Mattana,
Italian Chef and Content Creator
Appearing Sunday 13th
Cherish Finden,
TV Chef & Judge on Bake Off: The Professionals
Appearing Sunday 13th
Paul A Young,
Award-Winning Chocolatier,
Appearing Sunday 13th + 2 x Chocolate Masterclasses on Saturday 12th
Paul has been named one of the world’s finest master chocolatiers and one of the best in the UK since opening his first chocolaterie in 2006. He is known for his innovation, creative flavour combinations and his approachable way of making chocolate part of anyone’s cooking repertoire.
Latest festival news
More chefs announced for Bishop Auckland Food Festival
The full line up of celebrity chefs for Bishop Auckland Food Festival has now been confirmed, as organisers announce who will be appearing on Sunday. County
First chefs announced for Bishop Auckland Food Festival
A Sunday Brunch host, social media baker, and a MasterChef champion are among the celebrity chefs who will appear at this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival.
Dates announced for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2025
Food fans are encouraged to save the date for the return of one of the region’s biggest food festivals. Durham County Council has confirmed Bishop Auckland
Crowds flock to Bishop Auckland to enjoy taste of popular food festival
Thousands flocked to this weekend’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival, where celebrity chefs, tasty treats, and family fun were all on the menu. More than 150 stalls
Enjoy a jam-packed weekend -
why not plan ahead?
The food festival brings together traders and producers from across the region to sell their delicious treats. Soak up the atmosphere with live music and attractions and buy lots of goodies to take home too.
