The Forest Showcase Food Festival 2026 Returns to the Speech House Hotel for a Celebration of 25 years of Local Flavour and Seasonal Delights.

Forest of Dean, Glos — Sunday 4th October 2026 — The highly anticipated Forest Showcase Food Festival 2026 is set to take place at the historic Speech House Hotel, bringing together food lovers, local producers, and top culinary talent for a vibrant celebration of seasonal cuisine.

Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean, the Speech House Hotel provides the perfect backdrop for a Sunday dedicated to fresh flavours, artisan craftsmanship, and community spirit. The festival will showcase an exciting array of local food and drink, including farm-fresh produce, handcrafted baked goods, fine cheeses, street food, and award-winning beverages.

Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs, including the wonderful Woz & Loz from Cheltenham Racecourse, Debbie Jones from Forest Deli, Harts Barn Cookery School  & Arron Christopher, head chef at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. There will be talks & tastings, and food & drink pairings designed to highlight the best of local autumnal ingredients. 

The ever popular Kids Cookery sessions from Harts Barn Cookery School, spaces will need to be booked in advance through the festival website.

Family-friendly entertainment will include Jitterbug circus with their circus skills & show, Wildlife Displays with hands on sessions with a variety of animals including, Snakes, Spiders, Scorpions, Insects, Meerkats, the cute and cuddliest, birds of prey all of which are captive bred, hand-reared and used to being handled in a show environment. There will even be an appearance from peppa Pig! plus activities for all ages that will ensure a welcoming atmosphere throughout the event.

Live Musicians will perform throughout the day from Lydney Training Band, Two Rivers Choir, and The Paris Jazz Café Swing Band who have been drawing crowds of listeners and dancers alike, at their memorable gigs throughout the Forest of Dean, Welsh Borders and beyond. They will be delighting us with a tasteful menu of classic swing from the roaring 20’s, swinging 30’s and 40′s to the finest Hot Club Jazz, the band create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for a Sunday afternoon at the Forest Showcase Food Festival!

“We’re thrilled to host the Forest Showcase  Food Festival once again,” said Amanda Smith, Spokesperson. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local producers, discover new flavours, and bring people together in a truly special setting.”

The Forest Showcase Food Festival 2026 promises to be a must-visit event for food enthusiasts and families alike, celebrating the richness of the region’s culinary scene.

Event Details:
Location: Speech House Hotel, Forest of Dean
Dates: 4th October 2026
Time: 10am  – 4pm
Tickets: www.forestshowcase.org

For more information, media enquiries, or to book tickets, please contact:
Amanda Smith
Forest Showcase
07980 357 747
forestshowcase@gmail.com
www.forestshowcase.org

About the Speech House Hotel
The Speech House Hotel is a historic former hunting lodge located in the Royal Forest of Dean. Known for its charm, heritage, and exceptional hospitality, it serves as a unique venue for events, dining, and accommodation.

About the Forest Showcase Food festiuval
The Food Festival was started by The Forest of Dean District Council following the Foot & mouth epidemic to declare the area was open for business. In 2008 during the financial crisis they could no longer support it & the present team took iot on.They have invested many volunteer hours into the festival to grow it from a small 30 traders event to where it is today.