VITO COPPOLA QUICK-STEPPING IT TO LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL 

 Upcoming Celebrity MasterChef and Reigning Strictly Champion Joins a Sizzling Line-up  

Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2024 

Ludlow Castle, Ludlow, Shropshire 

The line-up for this year’s Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival is heating up with Vito Coppola being confirmed as the latest addition. He joins an impressive roster of chefs, restauranteurs, food writers and producers at the iconic Festival at Ludlow Castle on 13th – 15th September.   

Born in Eboli, Italy, Vito grew up on a family farm, instilling in him a deep appreciation for quality produce and Italian cuisine. Celebrated for his achievements on the dance floor, he is set to be on our screens again this summer showcasing his culinary skills on Celebrity MasterChef. He will be making a special appearance on the Outer Bailey Stage at Ludlow Food Festival on Saturday 14th September. 

Festival operations lead Jess Parker says: 

‘We’re thrilled to be welcoming Vito and his Italian flair to our exciting line-up. This year is set to be very special as we celebrate the 30th edition of the ‘original’ food and drink festival. Our line-up is looking amazing and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone, from chefs to volunteers and exhibitors to visitors – I certainly am very excited”. 

This three-day ‘feastival’ highlights the Marches region’s rich heritage of great food and drink, featuring carefully chosen and sustainably focused growers and producers. Food and drink lovers can explore a broad range of exhibitors, stock up on ingredients and take inspiration from the industry experts. Amongst the famous faces will be TV presenter and writer Kate Humble, who will be on the Outer Bailey Demonstration Stage on Saturday 14th September. 

The event is also hosting the inaugural British Fire Cooking Championships in association with Kadai Firebowls and Love Logs, which sees contestants tackle a series themed cooking challenges.  

Throughout the Festival there will be a jam-packed, diverse range of live cooking demonstrations, talks and tastings across three stages. Famous faces include TV presenter Kate Humble who will be making appearances throughout the weekend, also; 

Internationally acclaimed MasterChef The Professionals finalist Oliva Burt 

Fire chef Genevieve Taylor of Bristol Fire School 

Chef, author and regular presenter on ITV’s This Morning Marcus Bean 

Saku Chandrasekara and Nicki Laceby of The Great British Bake Off  

Sam Evans and Shana Guinn of Hangfire, and BBC One’s Sam and Shauna’s Big Cookout  

Itamar and Sarit Packer – the talented duo behind Honey & Co 

Mike Warner of A Passion for Seafood 

Burger aficionado Anthony Murphy ‘Murf’ from The Beefy Boys 

Karan Gokani, co-founder and creative director of Hoppers London 

Liz Knight, celebrated forager and food writer 

Ivan Tisdall-Downes of Native at Pensons 

Inspiring home-grown chef Harry Bullock of Evatt & Bullock Co. 

Winner of the Best Food Book 2024 at the Guild of Food Writer’s Awards, author podcaster & food historian Dr Neil Buttery 

The Flygerians – sisters Jess and Jo who are bringing the sweet taste of Nigeria to the streets of London 

Michelin Star chef and restaurant consultant Shaun Hill 

Food writer and chef Claire Thomson (5 o’Clock Apron) 

Local Fire Chef Adam Markham, of Kadai Firebowls 

Great British Bake Off fans are also in for a sweet treat with the return of the hugely popular ‘Bake in Time’ – which brings fun interactive sessions with Great British Bake Off favourites including Sandy Docherty and local bakers. There will be brand-new interactive activities for all members of the family with hands-on creative children’s workshops. 

There will be plenty of opportunities for feasting with delicious food vendors throughout the weekend, street food, bar and live DJ on Friday evening, a Saturday evening Fire Feast, and a series of Slow Food Taste Workshops. 

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.