THOUSANDS ENJOY A TASTE OF THE MARCHES IN ONE WEEKEND 

 Ludlow Food Festival Delivered Fire and Flavour to Ludlow Castle 

The Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival served up a sizzling weekend of food and drink, with thousands flocking from all over the UK to enjoy the best of the regions’ food and drink. 

This year saw the Festival play host the first ever British Live Fire Cooking Championship, supported by Kadai Firebowls and Love Logs, which proved popular with visitors and chefs alike. The competition saw contestants battle it out on the Fire Stage to create delicious and inspiring dishes over flames.  

Local contestant Mark Hammond was crowned the winner and has won himself a place in the World Food Championships in Indianapolis 6^th – 13^th November 2024. 

Festival operations lead Jess Parker says: 

“We are so pleased with how the 30^th Edition of Ludlow Food Festival went; it was nice to see so many people come out and support us with their smiling faces! We are delighted that we can continue to support so many small and independent producers from across the Marches region.  This year saw the introduction of an Exhibitor Bursary providing a platform to showcase their produce, which was well-received” 

Visitors were also kept entertained throughout with demonstrations from the likes of MasterChef the Professional’s Olivia Burt, This Morning’s Marcus Bean and Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn of BBC 1’s Sam and Shauna’s Big Cookout. Crowds flocked to see Strictly Come Dancing Champion and Celebrity MasterChef finalist Vito Coppola, who dazzled with his cooking as well as stage presence. 

Television presenter Kate Humble also enjoyed a busy weekend on stage at the Festival, as well as presenting the prestigious Best New Product Awards and signing her brand-new book ‘Home Made’. 

The return of the popular Bake in Time tent saw appearances from the Great British Bake Off’s Sandy Docherty, Nicki Laceby and Saku Chandrasekera as well as local bakers. 

The Ludlow Marches Food & Drink Festival returns in 2025 on 12th, 13th & 14th September 2025. 

ABOUT LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL: 

Nestled within the historic and picturesque walls of Ludlow Castle, the original food and drink festival offers a truly unparalleled experience for food enthusiasts. The Ludlow Marches Food & Drink Festival was born out of a collective aspiration to highlight the exceptional local produce that our region is blessed with. Since its inception in 1995, our guiding mission has been to champion the food producers who are the backbone of our culinary landscape. We celebrate the abundance of quality food and drink in our area, from the farms to the kitchens that together define our gastronomic identity. 

Set against the iconic backdrop of Ludlow Castle, The Festival transcends the typical food event, offering a dynamic programme of live cooking demonstrations, entertaining talks, and interactive workshops. These activities are led by renowned chefs, esteemed local food and drink producers, and experts who share their passion and knowledge, making the Festival a hub of learning and enjoyment. 

At the heart of Ludlow, a destination synonymous with food and drink excellence, our festivals stand as a testament to the area’s rich culinary heritage. It is dedicated to showcasing the finest local and seasonal produce, providing a platform for producers to connect with a broader audience. This commitment extends to nurturing smaller-scale growers and makers, ensuring their invaluable work is celebrated and supported.