Paul Ainsworth and Charlotte Vincent join the line-up at Truro Food Festival

Paul Ainsworth and Charlotte Vincent join the line-up at Truro Food Festival

Excitement is building ahead of Truro Food Festival next month, as more details are released of the star-studded chef line-up.

Paul Ainsworth and Charlotte Vincent are the latest names to be revealed, joining the likes of Jude Kereama, Charlie Waters, and Kate Attlee in the Chef’s Theatre – the centrepiece of the five-day food extravaganza which will take place between 25th – 29th September.

Regular Saturday Kitchen viewers will be able to see Paul in the flesh on Lemon Quay on Saturday 28th, cooking up a storm, talking about his life as a chef in Cornwall, and signing copies of his brand-new cookbook, For the Love of Food. 

Paul commented: “I was buzzing to hear that Truro Food Festival was returning, and to be asked to take part alongside so many great chefs. I’ll be showcasing recipes from my new book, and I know many of the ingredients used on stage will be available in the Producer’s Village. Hopefully people will be inspired to stock up with local goodies and get cooking back at home!”

Meanwhile, Charlotte Vincent, who appeared on Great British Menu in 2022 and 2023 and who now works at Dartington Hall in Devon, will also be focusing on seasonal local produce in dishes which demonstrate her signature flair and attention to detail.

A host of other familiar faces will be appearing over the five days of culinary theatre, including Ugo Massabo of The Cornish Italian, Adam Kesakoff of The Aussie Smoker, and Ben Quinn of Canteen Cornwall.

Keen foodies searching for genuine insights will be in their element, with everything from fish filleting demonstrations, fermentation workshops and wine pairing masterclasses, to watching patisserie experts and cake artists at work.

Organiser Stewart Girvan explained: “With the epic chef line-up, we wanted to showcase amazing culinary talent while keeping the output as diverse as possible and offering a genuine insight into different aspects of food and drink. With around 60 artisan producers there too, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on seasonal goodies as well as inspiration.”

The next generation of culinary talent will get their turn too, with Truro Nourish Hub offering school workshops, and both Truro and Penwith College and Truro School Cookery School showcasing the skills of their tutors and students.

With a Street Food Court to keep festival goers fuelled throughout their visit and the Skinner’s Festival Bars for liquid refreshment, Truro Food Festival is set to be an indulgent treat in Cornwall’s autumn calendar.

Family-friendly entertainment and activities, and live music from the likes of all-female sea shanty group, Femmes de la Mer, guarantee a great day out for all ages, while after-party events taking place at Skinner’s Tap Yard promise uplifting end of summer vibes.

Lemon Quay will be the epicentre of the event, but the organisers are promoting city-wide involvement, including a street market featuring regular Truro Farmers Market traders and the artisan makers of Cornwall Shop Small which will take place on Boscawen Street on Wednesday 25th and Saturday 28th.

Other independent businesses in the city are getting involved with festival specials and events – keep an eye on the following websites and Truro Food Festival social media feeds for updates on all the exiting happenings around the city.