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

The showcase takes place on the field next to the the historic Speech House near Coleford and is dedicated to fresh flavours, artisan craftsmanship, and community spirit.

It 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.

There are more than 100 food and drink producers from the Forest of Dean, South Wales and the west of England.

Among the local producers are Longhope-based VQ Country Wines, Chase Farm who make ice cream and other dairy products on the edge of the Wye Valley and Madgetts who produce poultry and game on the outskirts of St Briavels.

Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs, including the wonderful Woz and Loz from Cheltenham Racecourse, Debbie Jones from Forest Deli in Coleford, Harts Barn Cookery School at Longhope and Arron Christopher, head chef at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in Clearwell.

There will be talks and tastings, and food and 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 and 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 with music 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 the crowds 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

Festival spokeswoman Amanda Smith said: “We’re thrilled to host the Forest Showcase Food Festival once again.

“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.”

The showcase is open between 10am and 4pm and more details about exhibitors, attractions and how to book tickets is available from the festival website www.forestshowcase.org