Back for 2026, we’re thrilled to announce the FULL Live Cookery Theatre Line-up for our Sixth Annual Celebration on The Stray.

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 TWELVE immersive demonstrations from of a diverse selection of the region’s culinary experts, led by independent business owners, renowned head chefs, AA Rosette recipients, Great British Menu competitors and more.

2026 Cookery Theatre Line-Up (The Stray)

SATURDAY 27th JUNE

11:00 Spencer Howarth (Sykes House Farm)

12:00 Jessica Wyatt & Michelle Smit (Mama Doreen’s Emporium)

13:00 Dan Graham (At the Dinner Party by Dan Graham)

14:00 Aled Williams (Jeopardy Hospitality / The General Tarleton)

15:00 Shannon Jackson (Grantley Hall)

16:00 Richard Kitson (Farmhouse)

SUNDAY 28th JUNE

11:00 Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant)

12:00 Weike “Shane” Zhao (Wood Hall Hotel & Spa)

13:00 Adam Degg (FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park)

14:00 Richard Bain (Amber’s Restaurant, Cedar Court Hotel)

15:00 Owen Diaram and Joe Lofthouse (Cook with Owen / Head Gardener of Swinton Park)

16:00 Stephanie Moon (Festival Host & Compere)

Thinking of joining us? This live entertainment is included in the price of your ticket! Here’s some further information on each of this year’s experts…

Jessica Wyatt & Michelle Smit (Mama Doreen’s Emporium) – Company director and co-founder of Mama Doreen’s Emporium Jessica Wyatt is an expert in confectioneries, creating celebration cakes, sweet treats and cupcakes at their bespoke on-site bakery. Joining Jessica on the stage is Head Chef Michelle Smit, who joined the Mama Doreen’s family in 2024, bringing a cooking style that is refined, approachable and infused with great care.

Dan Graham (At the Dinner Party by Dan Graham) – Independent business owner and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Dan Graham is the creative mind behind At the Dinner Party, a private chef and event catering service that provides restaurant-quality dining experiences utilising local produce.

Aled Williams (Jeopardy Hospitality / The General Tarleton) – Great British Menu Welsh Champion Aled Williams is the Executive Chef at The General Tarleton, an award-winning pub in North Yorkshire known for seasonal and generous cooking that captures the ethos of British pub classics.

Shannon Jackson (Grantley Hall) – Shannon Jackson is an integral part of the team at Grantley Hall, an award-winning five-star hotel & spa overlooking the Yorkshire Dales. As Executive Sous Chef of their pastry kitchen, Shannon is an expert in the fine, intricate details that define handcrafted cakes and delicate pastries.

Richard Kitson (Farmhouse) – Executive Chef Richard Kitson is the culinary spark behind breakfast and brunch restaurant Farm House, an independent all-day restaurant acclaimed for its welcoming environment, bold flavours and fresh ideas.

Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant) – Former Young National Chef of The Year and Great British Menu star Ruth Hansom is a multi-award winning expert who recently opened her independent restaurant Hansom, a contemporary dining experience in the heart of Bedale.

Weike “Shane” Zhao (Wood Hall Hotel & Spa) – Great British Menu fan-favourite Shane Zhao is the Head Chef of the prestigious Wood Hall Hotel & Spa in Wetherby. Honouree of two Michelin Plates, Shane’s cooking expertly blends exceptional Yorkshire produce with vibrant Asian flavours.

Adam Degg (FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park) – Leader of the immersive dining experience at Fifty Two at Rudding Park is Head Chef Adam Degg, a 3-time AA Rosette honouree and Great British Menu contestant with a passion for creating memorable culinary experiences.

Richard Bain (Amber’s Restaurant, Cedar Court Hotel) – Head Chef at Amber’s Restaurant in the Cedar Court Hotel, Richard Bain is an expert in contemporary British dishes, focusing on flavour, quality and simplicity to champion Yorkshire’s finest seasonal produce.

Owen Diaram and Joe Lofthouse (Cook with Owen / Head Gardener of Swinton Park) – BBC MasterChef quarter-finalist and award-winning independent business owner Owen Diaram is the mind behind private event company Cook With Owen, dedicated to creating relaxed and creative dining experiences tailored to an eclectic mix of tastes. Joe Lofthouse joins Owen to offer his insights on capturing the essence of natural flavours.

Spencer Howarth (Sykes House Farm) – Having worked at Sykes House Farm since he was 15, Spencer has developed his extensive skillset alongside various esteemed Yorkshire chefs. Spencer will be demonstrating how to butcher and roast a duck breast using the 7-7-7 method.