Back for 2026, we’re thrilled to announce the FULL Live Cookery Theatre Line-up for our second annual celebration…
The 2026 edition also introduces a brand-new host, with acclaimed chef consultant, former professional chef and Yorkshire legend Stephanie Moon set to compère the for the first time.
Enjoy TEN immersive demonstrations from of a diverse selection of the region’s culinary experts, including MasterChef competitors, leading entrepreneurs, culinary educators, and experienced Head Chefs
Thinking of joining us? This live entertainment is included in the price of your ticket!
2026 Live Cookery Theatre Line-uo
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
11:00 Sandy Docherty (Sandy Bakes / The Great British Bake Off)
Crêpe schwarzwalder (black forest crêpe suzette)
12:00 Owen Diaram (Cook With Owen / MasterChef)
Caramelised goats cheese and nectarine salad / Pork belly bites with sticky honey soy sauce
13:00 Heather Copley (Farmer Copleys)
Celebrating British strawberries and Yorkshire produce
14:00 Josh Whitehead (Finer Pleasures)
A crash-course in crafting pastry and pies
15:00 Emma Lawson (Baked by Emma Lawson)
Apple crumble souffle & goats milk icecream
16:00 Terra Sarda Wines
Wine storytelling and tasting
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST
11:00 Joe Crowe (Blacker Hall Farm)
Demonstration details confirmed shortly…
12:00 Freya Cox (The Great British Bake Off / We Are Freyas)
Soft and chewy creme brûlée cookies
13:00 Chris Hale (Hodroyd Hall / MasterChef)
Demonstration details confirmed shortly…
14:00 Bobby Geetha (Kerala Canteen / MasterChef)
Dishes straight from the Kerala Canteen menu
15:00 Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall Hotel)
A masterclass in seafood infused with local ingredients
16:00 Adam Rasburn (Wild Infused Vinegar)
Demonstration details confirmed shortly…
Further Information
Sandy Docherty (Sandy Bakes / The Great British Bake Off) – Great British Bake Off competitor and cookbook author Sandy Docherty is an expert in her field, passionate about how people can connect, spread joy, and tell stories through food. Sandy continues to make a positive impact through working closely with a variety of charities and organisations across Yorkshire, including Help for Heroes, The Bronte Society, and Howarth Fair Trade.
Owen Diaram (Cook With Owen / MasterChef) – After reaching the MasterChef UK quarter-finals, Owen channeled his love for cooking into a full time career, launching his critically-acclaimed private dining service Cook With Owen. Renowned for masterfully blending global flavours, Owen’s long list of culinary accolades continues to grow, receiving a Great Taste Award in 2024 for his artisan spice mixes.
Heather Copley (Farmer Copleys) – Heather Copley is the esteemed co-owner of Farmer Copleys, one of the region’s leading agritourism destinations. Celebrated for its authentic farm experiences, high-quality produce and seasonal events, Heather’s leadership has earned the business widespread support and national awards, including Large Farm Shop of the Year 2025.
Josh Whitehead (Finer Pleasures) – MasterChef: The Professionals Semi-Finalist Josh Whitehead is the proud owner of Finer Pleasures, a Leeds-based pie shop specialising in handmade pies, terrines, pâté en croûte, and pithivier. Building experience at some of the region’s premium establishments, Josh continues to make strides in the culinary world, focusing on using local, sustainable ingredients to develop unique recipes.
Emma Lawson (Baked by Emma Lawson) – Pastry chef, culinary tutor and owner of Baked, Emma Lawson’s culinary career has taken her all over the world, training with world-pastry masters and teaching at Michelin-starred establishments. A specialist in buttercream cakes, patisserie & artisan chocolates, Emma expertly blends classical flavour combinations with nostalgic favourites to infuse a modern flair into each dish she creates.
Joe Crowe (The Barn, Blacker Hall Farm) – Joe Crowe is Head Chef of The Barn at Blacker Hall, a family-run Yorkshire farm celebrated for their award-winning butchery, high-quality produce and inviting atmosphere. With over two decades of experience, Joe is an expert in transforming the farms’ seasonal, regenerative produce into refined, detail-orientated creations.
Freya Cox (The Great British Bake Off / We Are Freyas) – Beginning her career on the Great British Bake Off, Freya Cox has continued to reach new heights in the culinary world. An expert plant-based baker and award-winning recipe book author, Freya has gone onto present for the BBC, write recipes for cookery magazines, and build her independent postal-bake business We Are Freyas.
Chris Hale (Hodroyd Hall / MasterChef) – MasterChef Quarter-finalist and renowned private chef Chris Hale is the proprietor of Hodroyd Hall, a beautifully-restored, historic manor perched in the Yorkshire countryside. Cooking with creativity, detail, and heart, Chris has transformed Hodroyd Hall into the exclusive, immersive dining experience it is today.
Bobby Geetha (Kerala Canteen / MasterChef) – Cookbook author, MasterChef Quarter-Finalist, Great British Menu Competitor and International Menu Consultant Bobby Geetha boasts a diverse culinary portfolio. A modern-Indian cuisine specialist and expert in fine dining, Bobby’s journey as an entrepreneur continues at Kerala Canteen, a South Indian tapas kitchen and bar serving Kerala cuisine with traditional flavours.
Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall Hotel) – With over 20 years of culinary experience, Senior Sous Chef Chris Hobson recently took his eclectic set of skills to the renowned Wrea Head Hall, a luxury country house hotel on the edge of Scarborough. Honouree of the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards Rising Star award, Chris’ passion for high-quality Yorkshire produce shines within every dish he curates.
Terra Sarda Wines – Experience a one-of-a-kind wine story-telling and tasting event with Terra Sarda Wines, pairing rare Sardinian wines with premium-quality Yorkshire produce.
Adam Rasburn (Wild Infused Vinegar) – Chef and entrepreneur Adam Rasburn is the mind behind Wild Infused Vinegar, dedicated to creating immersive private dining experiences using nutrient-dense, seasonal homecooked meals. Adam has also recently been celebrated for his intricately developed, award-winning hot sauce recipes and apple cider vinegar infusions.
