North Leeds Food Festival 2026: Line-up of celebrity chefs, music and a new arena for 10th anniversary
The North Leeds Food Festival returns for its 10th anniversary this year and there is a full schedule of celebrity chef demonstrations, live music and a new interactive arena.
The Great British Bake Off vegan baker Freya Cox, former Great British Menu contestant Weike Zhao and Masterchef: The Professionals star Molly Payne are among the Yorkshire chefs confirmed for the cookery theatre programme for North Leeds Food Festival.
Organisers of the festival will be celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary which takes place at Roundhay Park on May 9 and 10, 2026.
The event will also introduce a new host, with acclaimed chef consultant and former professional chef Stephanie Moon set to compere the Cookery Theatre for the first time.
Stephanie has curated a diverse programme, bringing together a mix of Michelin-recognised head chefs, award-winning entrepreneurs, and competitors from Masterchef, The Great British Menu and The Great British Bake Off.
Other family attractions include: a new arena called the Sizzling Showdown Arena, featuring free competitions and challenges such as The Chilli Challenge and Family Dog Show. There will also be live music throughout the weekend including Arctic Monkeys and Madness tribute acts as well as Claudio Kron with a samba troupe.
Live family entertainment will include magicians, comedy, circus workshops, stilt walkers and more. The challenges include The Foodie Olympics, a festival scavenger hunt, colouring books, drawing challenges and Viking Heritage Kitchen.
Chef demonstrations on Saturday, May 9
Greg Lewis (Sykes House Farm, Wetherby) at 11am
Development chef at the Yorkshire butchery farm, Greg Lewis, will be running their demo kitchen with more than 20 years of experience under his belt.
Greg works closely with professional clients to develop menus centred around high-quality locally sourced produce that’s fresh from the farm.
Weike Shane Zhao (Wood Hall Hotel and Spa, Wetherby) at 12pm
The North East representative on The Great British Menu season 21 and head chef at Wood Hall Hotel and Spa, Shane, brings over 18 years of experience to the kitchen.
Her cooking is rooted in a passion for Yorkshire produce combined with vibrant Asian flavours, a passion that has led her to being awarded two Michelin Plates in her career.
Freya Cox (The Great British Bake Off and food writer) at 1pm
The award-winning recipe book author, independent business owner and Great British Off contestant Freya Cox has risen to fame following her appearance as the first plant-based baker on the show.
Since then, Freya has gone on to present for the BBC, write popular recipes for magazines, and build her successful postal-bake business Freyas.
Emma Lawson (culinary tutor and Young Pastry Chef of the Year 2021) at 2pm
Pastry specialist and culinary tutor Emma Lawson has perfected her craft at renowned establishments, from training in Italy with patisserie experts, to tutoring in the Michelin-starred Northcote Manor.
Through combining Yorkshire’s seasonal produce with modern techniques, Emma creates intricately designed cakes, patisserie and artisan chocolates with a distinctive creative edge.
Adam Maddock (Saltmoore, Whitby) at 3pm
Seafood specialist Adam Maddock is the executive chef of Saltmoore, a hotel on the North Yorkshire coast.
He was recently recognised in the Michelin Guide and awarded two Michelin Keys in his career, his cooking is inspired by a deep appreciation for British seafood and a strong sense of place.
Sam Pullan (The Highland Laddie and the Empire Cafe, Leeds) at 4pm
Co-owner and executive chef of Empire Cafe and The Highland Laddie, Leeds-based chef Sam Pullan runs both thriving businesses alongside his partner Nicole Deighton.
With an inventive take on classic Yorkshire favourites, Sam’s creative approach has led both kitchens to critically-acclaimed reviews, including recognition from The Good Food Guide.
Chef demonstrations on Sunday, May 10
Molly Payne (byMolly and Masterchef: The Professionals) at 12pm
Entrepreneur and award-winning chef Molly Payne has climbed her way up the culinary ladder, becoming a head chef at the age of 19 and standing as the youngest winner of the Best Chef of the Year award.
She is the founder of private chef-hire business byMolly and has showcased her talent on the 2023 season of Masterchef: The Professionals.
Ajith Kumar (Tharavadu and Uyare, Leeds) at 1pm
Ajith is the founding chef of Uyare and the creative force behind the restaurant’s culinary vision, elevating Indian fine-dining through intricate menu design.
He was also the recipient of the 2024 Chef of the Year award and his cooking celebrates the flavours of Kerala through a balance of traditional methods and modern culinary trends.
Minal Patel (Prashad, Drighlington) at 2pm
Minal Patel is the head chef at the award-winning restaurant Prashad, popular for blending traditional Gujarati cuisine and family recipes with a creative flair for fine-dining.
She was the winner of the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand for 13 years running and has led Prashad to being one of two restaurants in Yorkshire awarded both the Bib Gourmand and two AA Rosettes.
Dale Spink (Le Voyage Dining Experience and Masterchef: The Professionals) at 3pm
Dale has evolved as both a chef and entrepreneur throughout his career, launching restaurant concepts, leading kitchens, and managing varying food businesses.
Dale’s career was taken to the national stage as a competitor in Masterchef: The Professionals 2026, where he showcased his creativity, passion and talent for telling stories through food.