Seaham Food Festival 2026 Brings Together Top Celebrity Chefs

Food lovers from the North East will get a real thrill when the organizers of Seaham Food Festival 2026 release their list of celebrity chefs and food personalities. The popular coastal event is set to feature some of the greatest names in television, restaurants, and the food industry altogether in an engaging weekend of food demonstrations and activities.

The Seaham Food Festival 2026 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1 August and Sunday, 2 August at Seaham, County Durham. This will be arranged by Durham County Council, and it will mainly aim at bringing together individuals who have interest in food and cooking, including families and tourists, in an entertaining weekend.

There will be many chefs and food personalities as well as TV presenters in this year’s list.

Matt Tebbutt to Headline the Weekend Event

Another one of the famous personalities to grace Seaham Food Festival 2026 is Matt Tebbutt, presenter of BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen and BBC Two’s Best Bites shows. Matt Tebbutt will be appearing at the event on Sunday where his experience as a chef, author and television chef will be showcased on the cookery stage.

Matt Tebbutt has established himself as an acclaimed individual after years of collaboration with world-renowned chefs. At the beginning of his career, he worked with many notable chefs including Marco Pierre White, at the Oak Room and Criterion restaurants, and also Alastair Little whom he considers his mentor in cooking.

Additionally, Matt has owned and operated The Foxhunter restaurant in Nant-y-derry near Usk, South Wales for ten years and received various accolades including AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales. At Seaham Food Festival 2026, people can expect him to demonstrate some recipe techniques.

A Diverse Line-Up of Culinary Stars

Also, there is going to be the involvement of Cherish Finden, an expert in pastry cooking and judge in Channel 4's Bake Off: The Professionals. As an experienced professional in creative cooking, Cherish Finden will bring her experience and knowledge to the festival.

Additionally, the festival will involve Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL who is a chef, entrepreneur, and an author known for his innovation of the Indian cuisine across Britain. Todiwala has been popular for founding Café Spice Namasté. He is a celebrity who often features on different television and radio shows.

Another food celebrity who will take part in the festival is Shelina Permalloo, the 2012 BBC MasterChef winner. She is popular for introducing Mauritian cuisine to the culinary world by incorporating influences from her background in meals using contemporary ways of cooking. After winning the television show, Permaloo opened Lakaz Maman Street Kitchen in Southampton. In addition, she has written several cookery books.

Besides, there is going to be Italian chef Francesco Mattana, master chocolatier Oli The Choc and television presenter Chris Bavin. These food experts will assist in providing visitors with various cooking styles including Italian cuisine, chocolate, etc.

More Than Food: Entertainment and Family Activities

In addition to the celebrity chef performances, the 2026 Seaham Food Festival will be an entertaining weekend experience. This festival will feature music, performances, workshops, storytelling, and many other activities suitable for everyone.

The cultural program at the festival will showcase local talents and give an opportunity to families to engage in fun creative activities outside of the cooking demonstration sessions.

Seaham Food Festival Continues to Grow as a Major Regional Event

Through the blend of renowned chefs, local traders, entertainment, and community activities, the Seaham Food Festival is cementing its place as one of the best food festivals in the North East. This festival set for 2026 is definitely going to be an experience of culinary inspiration and entertainment for foodies in the region and elsewhere.