VARIETY was the spice of life as thousands enjoyed this year's Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival.

The festival, in its 23rd year, took place at Chester Racecourse over the Easter weekend.

This year’s theme was food from around the world, and visitors sampled cuisines from across the globe alongside some phenomenal Cheshire producers.

 

Chef Jemma Melvin.

Chef Jemma Melvin.

 

Taste India, Thailand, Mexico, France, Greece, South America, Turkey, Spain, the USA, China, Japan, Wales, Vietnam. England, Italy, and Jamaica were all within the beautiful grounds of the racecourse.

Among the star attractions over the three days from April 8-10 were Sunday Brunch's Chef Simon Rimmer, Jemma Melvin, winner of the platinum jubilee dessert competition, Jamie Pickles from the Rose & Crown, Knutsford and a cocktail demonstration from Cheshire Cocktail Champion 2022 Tristan Brady (from Bar Lounge) plus other local chefs.

 

Entertaining the crowds are PopVox Choir. SW9042023.

Entertaining the crowds are PopVox Choir. SW9042023.

 

Performances throughout the days from POP VOX Choir and Proud Marys – Chester’s LGBTQ Chorus, entertained the crowds.

TV Master Chef presenter John Torode took to the stage along with Chef Valentina from Da Noi and Chef Sam Griffiths from the Chester Grosvenor.

 

Chef Sam Griffiths from The Chester Grosvenor.

Chef Sam Griffiths from The Chester Grosvenor.

 

Members of the public also became culinary experts too as they helped judge the sausage competition.

Star of ‘Eat Well for Less’ and ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’, Chris Bavin was joined by the chef team from Artezzan, Great British Menu regional winner Stuart Collins and chef Brian Mellor.

 

Artezzan Pizza.

Artezzan Pizza.

 

Chris Clowes, head chef of The Henry Potts, Chester, closed the show on the demo stage.

On all three days there were free adult and kids cooking classes.

 

Kids cooking classes, young chef Joshua Egerton age 6.

Kids cooking classes, young chef Joshua Egerton age 6.

 

Adult classes were provided by plant based cookery school All About Greens, supported by Pippa Lee.

Kids Cooking was provided by Chef James Holden and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

 

The Sheriff and Lady Sheriff of Chester Cllr Bob and Sandra Rudd with Greg Dillon of Great Drams.

The Sheriff and Lady Sheriff of Chester Cllr Bob and Sandra Rudd with Greg Dillon of Great Drams.

 

Commonhall Social also brought back their pop up at the racecourse as part of the festival and Horseradish provided a VIP experience.

See our gallery from the event, with all pictures taken by Simon Warburton.