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Chef Talk
Chef Talk: Farm to Table
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Park Walk Stage
with TBC
Exploring the journey from Dorset farms to your table. Organised by The Kitchen Table.
Events & Timetable
A packed schedule of chef talks, races, food demos and entertainment.
9:00 AM
High Street
Gates Open
Main EventThe festival gates open. Explore trade stands and enjoy the morning atmosphere.
9:30 AM
High Street Stage
Opening Ceremony
Main EventOfficial opening of the Shaftesbury Food Festival 2026 by the Mayor.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Gold Hill
Junior Cheese Race
RaceThe junior cheese race for younger contestants. Fun for all the family.
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Park Walk Stage
Chef Talk: Farm to Table
Chef TalkSpeaker: TBC
Exploring the journey from Dorset farms to your table. Organised by The Kitchen Table.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Gold Hill
Gold Hill Cheese Race
RaceThe main event! Contestants carry a 23kg cheese up iconic Gold Hill.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
High Street Stage
Live Music: Local Acts
EntertainmentEnjoy live music from talented local performers while you eat and drink.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Park Walk Stage
Chef Talk: Dorset Seafood
Chef TalkSpeaker: TBC
Discover the finest Dorset seafood and how to prepare it at home.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
High Street Stage
Baking Competition Judging
Main EventWatch the judges sample entries in our community baking competition.
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Park Walk Stage
Chef Talk: The Art of Cheese
Chef TalkSpeaker: TBC
A deep dive into artisan cheese-making in the Dorset region.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
High Street Stage
Live Entertainment
EntertainmentAn afternoon of live entertainment, music and fun for all ages.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
High Street Stage
Prize Giving Ceremony
Main EventAwards for cheese race winners, baking competition and more.
5:00 PM
High Street
Festival Close
Main EventThank you for joining us! See you next year.
Chef Talks & Demonstrations
Organised by The Kitchen Table, our chef talks feature renowned chefs sharing their knowledge of local ingredients, cooking techniques and the best of Dorset cuisine.
Event image
Chef Talk
Chef Talk: Dorset Seafood
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Park Walk Stage
with TBC
Discover the finest Dorset seafood and how to prepare it at home.
Event image
Chef Talk
Chef Talk: The Art of Cheese
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM Park Walk Stage
with TBC
A deep dive into artisan cheese-making in the Dorset region.
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