Organisers of the Truro Food Festival have revealed the first batch of chefs who will be joining the event on September 25 to 29.

The team are busy curating a mix of established and emerging culinary talent, and a diverse repertoire of skills and influences will be on display.

The first batch of chefs include:

Jude Kereama, Kota & Kota Kai - Growing up in New Zealand, Jude was exposed to the diverse food cultures of the Asia-Pacific. He moved to London to pursue his culinary career and subsequently to Cornwall. His two restaurants, Kota & Kota Kai, have helped put Porthleven firmly on the food map.  

Kate Attlee, Sabzi - Kate was born and raised in Cornwall, and went to school in Truro. She has always been surrounded by international flavours and naturally brings this variety and originality to the wholesome food at her popular neighbourhood delis in Truro, Padstow, Falmouth and Nansledan.

Ugo Massabo, The Cornish Italian - Growing up in Italy as part of a large, food-centric family, the seeds of Ugo’s future career were sown. Ugo’s desire to bring authentic Italian food to his new home of Cornwall took off, and his trattoria on the Roseland delivers a taste of ‘la dolce vita’ everyday.

Ben Tunnicliffe, The Tolcarne Inn - Ben is a true pioneer of the Cornish restaurant scene, having held one of the Duchy’s first Michelin stars at The Abbey in Penzance in the early 2000s. The Tolcarne Inn is widely considered one of the best places in the country to eat fresh fish.

Caitlin Walsh, Delea Fermented Foods - One of several Truro Farmers’ Market producers taking to the stage over the festival, Caitlin will be explained how to make and use fermented foods. Using local, seasonal veggies, visitors can find out how to make their own store cupboard saviours.

Charlie Walters, The Gate - At just 22, Charlie Walters has already impressed some of the toughest culinary critics in the country. Following his appearance on Masterchef: The Professionals where he was a finalist in 2023, he has now opened his own restaurant which serves refined Cornish small plates.

Joining these chefs in September will be Todd Studley (Royal Duchy), Andi Tuck (Tarton Fox), Jasmine and Ben Sharma (Daaku), Ben Quinn (Canteen Cornwall), Adam Kesacoff (The Aussie Smoker), Kevin Viner (The Falmouth Arms) and Nick Hemmings (The Heron, Truro).

The full line-up will be revealed at the start of September. Visitors will be able to enjoy street food vendors and Cornish brands in the ‘Producers Village’, as well live music, entertainment, and family activities to complete the offering.

Hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, and cafés all around the city will be getting involved with fringe events and special offers around the festival.