The celebrity chefs heading to Birkenhead Park for Wirral Food & Drink Festival

Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, nationally renowned Paul Askew will welcome the likes of Ellis Barrie and Tommy Heaney to the brand new event.

The festival aims to create a two-day gastronomic experience for food and drink lovers across Wirral, set against the backdrop of arguably Wirral's most famous park.

Alongside celebrating chef demos, there will be food traders specialising in fresh produce from across Merseyside including global street food such as Chip'd - Dutch style chips, Joro Vegan Eatery, real dairy ice cream and independent wine retailers.

Also making an appearance will be Thyme Oxton and breweries including Brimstage Brewey and Wirral Gin.

On the Saturday, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will take centre stage for their only outdoor performance as a full orchestra in 2019, with a very special evening of popular classics, show tunes and exciting film standards.

While on Sunday, iconic Merseyside bands such as Lightning Seeds, The Christians and China Crisis will take-over the park for one night only.

Paul Askew said: “Wirral is home to so many food heroes who grow, harvest and utilise the fresh, local produce which the borough is famous for.

"I am delighted to be playing a part in this event and highlighting the hard work that these local businesses do.

"It is a brilliant opportunity to put market traders alongside Wirral-based breweries, small businesses, and culinary creatives from the region.

"Having worked with the celebrity chefs and knowing them personally, they are all ecstatic to be showcasing the best, local produce that Wirral has to offer."

Acon Award winner and Great British Menu finalist, chef Ellis Barrie has developed The Marram Grass into a culinary highlight of Anglesey along with the help of his brothers.

Fellow Great British Menu star Tommy Heaney will join Barrie to demonstrate how to produce mouth-watering food with local produce.

Since appearing on the hit BBC Two cookery show, Tommy has launched his own restaurant, Heaneys in Pontcanna, Cardiff.

Councillor Christine Spriggs, Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, said: “As Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture for 2019, Wirral has delivered landmark events for residents and visitors, showcasing the talent and creativity of the local area.

"Wirral Food & Drink Festival is no exception and will highlight the wide variety of gastronomic treats that our borough has to offer.

"We are delighted to not only have Wirral Food & Drink Festival over the weekend, but also bring the best musical talent Merseyside has to offer to the world-class Birkenhead Park.

"This September certainly is one to remember and offers something for all tastes.”

Event organisers will announce more chefs who are joining Paul Askew, Ellis Barrie and Tommy Heaney very soon.

For more information and to get your tickets visit

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VIP and corporate hospitality packages are available for Saturday and Sunday evening, featuring culinary delights from chef Paul Askew, drinks and concert tickets.

For more information on these all-inclusive events and to book tickets, please email cultureteam@wirral.gov.uk.