Live Music, Chef Demonstrations and Family Shows Confirmed For Weekend Celebration
The Newcastle Food Festival is set to launch its second annual celebration of all things food amid Leazes Park. Organisers have released the programme of live entertainment for the weekend, including hourly music performances, culinary demonstrations, and family shows alongside various other cornerstone attractions.
“We’ve put in a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure there’s live entertainment suited to everyone, every hour of the event. There are performances, demonstrations, and workshops to catch in every corner of the festival” – Michael Johnston, Festival Director
Saturday, May 31st
Saturday evening (17:45) welcomes Ska Britannia, one of the UK’s most acclaimed ska tribute acts. An esteemed six-piece troupe, Ska Britannia celebrate all-time classics from the likes of Bad Manners, The Specials, Madness, and more.
The Full Live Music Stage Line-up Features:
- 11:00 – Will Forrester Smooth Sax
- 12:15 – Ellie Ferguson
- 13:30 – Voice of The Town
- 14:45 – Scoble & Friends
- 16:00 – Sophie Gordon
- 17:45 – Ska Britannia
- 19:00 – Live Ibiza Sax
The Live Cookery Theatre is hosted by World Cuisine Lecturer and Newcastle local Anthony O’Shaughnessy, performing his own demonstration at 16:00.
Prior demonstrations are as follows:
- 12:00 – Newcastle’s Next Best Chef Cook Off with Newcastle College
- 13:00 – Chef Guarav of My Delhi
- 14:00 – Thai House Cafe
- 15:00 – Fozia Haider of Gateshead Community Bridgebuilders
Hourly circus workshops, family magic shows, and comedy performances take place from the likes of The Magic Matt Show (11:00), Joel Dickinson (12:00, 15:00, 16:00), and Matthew J Magic (13:00, 14:00).
Sunday, June 1st
Sunday evening (17:15) invites another of the UK’s acclaimed tribute acts in Planet ABBA, celebrating the Swedish pop group’s catalogue of greatest hits.
The Full Live Music Stage Line-up Features:
- 11:00 – Will Forrester Smooth Sax
- 11:45 – Rock Choir
- 13:00 – Hannah Goodall
- 14:15 – Chilli Road Band
- 15:30 – Danny Charles Band
- 17:15 – Planet ABBA
- 18:20 – Live Ibiza Sax
The Live Cookery Theatre kicks-off with the second round of Newcastle’s Next Best Chef with Newcastle College (12:00).
Additional performances are as follows:
- 13:00 – Richard Cullen of Kiln
- 14:00 – David Crann and David Essen of Two Knives, Hoults Yard
- 15:00 – Chris Rawlinson of Zucchini
- 16:00 – Anthony O’Shaughnessy
The Magic Matt Show (11:00), Joel Dickinson (12:00, 14:00, 16:00), and Matthew J Magic (13:00, 15:00) return to the Live Entertainers Stage. Performances include Family Magic and Variety Shows, Comedy Performances, and Interactive Circus Workshops.
Each of these live stages are included in the price of each ticket. Additional activities and attractions are outlined on the event’s website, at:
www.newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com/activities/
Final preparations are underway for The Newcastle Food Festival, May 31st & June 1st, 2025, Leazes Park.