A festival of flavour

Porthleven’s famous Food Festival is back again, and this year promises to be as jam packed with foodie fun as ever.

Taking place from 26th to 28th April, The Porthleven Food Festival has been tantalising taste buds and captivating visitors and locals alike since its inception, and this year’s gastronomic extravaganza is certain to be no exception, set against the picturesque backdrop of this quaint Cornish fishing village. The free foodie event, a must in the culinary calendar, attracts in the region of 35,000 people who tuck into celebrations in the whole-town takeover, with the heart of the activity held around the harbourside.

At the heart of the festival, as you may imagine, lies a love for local food and with that an opportunity for Cornwall’s leading producers, artisans, and chefs to showcase what they do best. From freshly caught seafood to artisanal cheeses and baked goods, the array of offerings reflects the rich tapestry of flavours that define our region.

“The 2024 festival line-up is set to be our best yet!” says Jude Kereama, Kota and Kota Kai’s renowned local chef and the festival’s own chef patron. “We’re thrilled to bring such a talented mix of Michelin star and leading chefs from across the country to demo for us all here in Porthleven. It’s going to be a brilliant weekend of celebrations and there is heaps in store from live music to masterclasses, feast nights to family-friendly entertainment and lots more. We can’t wait to welcome you all back!”

One of the festival’s highlights is the Chef’s Theatre, where top culinary talents showcase their skills in live cooking demonstrations, and this year’s line-up is could well be the festival’s best yet. You can expect to see Michelin-star chefs like Adam Handling, Tom Brown, Paul Foster take to the stage, along with Jack Stein and 2024’s Great British Menu winner, Ben Palmer.

The festival will also welcome Chris Eden, executive chef at Gidleigh Park, Josh Eggleton, Michelin Star chef patron of The Pony Restaurant Group, Andrew Tuck, of Harbour House in Flushing, Elly Wentworth, of The Angel in Dartmouth and Masterchef quarterfinalist and Sabzi Deli founder Kate Attlee – plus many more, which can all viewed via the festival’s website.

New for this year and for those looking to make the most of the three-day event, you’ll be able to lay your hands on an Ultimate Gourmet Weekend Ticket for £85. This will guarantee you seating in the Chef’s Theatre all weekend, access to the Friday and Saturday night Evening Sessions with Beans on Toast and the UK Fleetwood Mac, plus premium parking in the centre of Porthleven and a ticket to the exciting new Comedy Roast (two-course roast lunch, prepared by chef Rupert Cooper of the Philleigh Way Cookery School with comedy and a quiz from Johnny Cowlin).

It looks like this year’s festivities are going to unforgettable once again, so to stay up to date with all the latest Porthleven Food Festival news and to purchase tickets, make sure to head to www.porthlevenfoodfestival.com, or join in the conversation online via Instagram – @porthlevenfest and Facebook – @porthlevenfoodfestival.