06/05/2026
What a day! You folks are amazing ❤️
Wow, we’re honestly still taking it all in …🤩
People of Shaftesbury, you absolutely outdid yourselves, with visitors flocking from all across the country.
More than 12,000 people filled our streets, our hill, our town — and what unfolded was far more than a food festival. It was a celebration of community, creativity and the incredible spirit that makes this place so special.
From first coffee to final cheers on Gold Hill, there was a real sense of something building for the future … and you could feel it everywhere:
✨ In the conversations between stallholders and visitors
✨ In the buzz around A Feast For The Eyes as art and food collided magnificently
✨ In a packed Town Hall, where Ping Coombes, Anurag Aggarwal and Shelina Permalloo shared flavours and stories from across the world
✨ In the footsteps of the Byzant Walk, weaving its way through the town to the spring Enmore Green
✨ In the quiet focus (and fun!) of the Ingredients Hunt around our brilliant local shops
✨ In the screening of ‘The Kitchen Garden’, bringing storytelling into the heart of the festival thanks to Tiggy Walker and Ramon Tikaram.
And then,
the legendary Gold Hill Cheese Race 🧀 🏁
Nearly 140 competitors. 23kg truckles. One iconic hill climb.
A test of strength, stamina and no small amount of courage … cheered on by a crowd whose enthusiasm really brought the hill to life.
What makes this festival what it is isn’t just the spectacular setting, it’s the people behind it.
➡️ The volunteers who give their time so generously.
The producers, makers and businesses who bring such quality and pride.
The chefs, artists and performers who share their talent so openly.
And every single one of you who turned up, got involved and made it matter.
🌐 This is what happens when a town comes together with a shared sense of purpose and passion.
Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of it💙
We’ll see you all next year for even more flavour, flair and unforgettable moments!
📸