The 22nd year of the MFDF will see the festival make its debut appearance in a new home; Festival Gardens (Cathedral Gardens). The festival hub has moved to this historic area in Manchester city centre, and will play host to the Dining Dome; the futuristic, igloo-shaped venue which made its first appearance last year. Open from 12 noon until 11pm every day of the festival, it’s completely free and will be home to an amazing choice of street food and drink.
This year’s festival is set to be the most dynamic yet, and sees celebrity chef Tom Kerridge - holder of three Michelin Stars - making his festival debut, showing Manchester what he has to offer on Sunday the 6th of October, ahead of his hotly anticipated Manchester restaurant, The Bull & Bear, opening in November.
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On Sunday the 29th of September, there will be an MFDF Vegan take over at the hub, with all traders only serving vegetarian and vegan food. John Robb, Shaun Ryder and Bundobust will also be holding a plant-based evening as part of the Festival.
The celebration of Manchester’s food and drink scene also includes the live cookery theatre, banquets, masterclasses, Curry Collectives, a Communal Feast and a very special Saturday Skills Kitchen; The City Life Stage at The Hub and Rum Decadence.
In what’s sure to be a festival highlight, join Action Against Hunger for one night only at Taston King Street, where they will celebrate the six chefs nominated for MFDF Chef of the Year, at a unique and exclusive dinner.
Each nominated Chef will prepare one from a six-course bespoke tasting menu. The Chefs featured are Adam Reid (Adam Reid at The French), Simon Martin (Mana), Miquel Villacrosa (Tast Catala), Aiden Byrne (Restaurant MCR), Sam Buckley (Where The Light Gets In), and Omar Rodriguez Marrero (Umezushi).
Phil Jones, Festival Founding Director, commented: “The move to Cathedral Gardens for the Festival Hub gives the entire Festival a new focus and we are delighted that we are being joined by a fine selection of food and drink pop ups, producers and chefs to ensure it really is the best programme yet. The Dining Dome was a huge success last year so we’ve brought it back again and, of course, Gorton Monastery is returning for a second year to host the awards. We’ll see you all on 26th September when the festivities begin and we enjoy our historic new surroundings.”
