Wimborne Food Festival returns this year on Saturday 19th September for another vibrant celebration of the town’s thriving food and drink scene. Organised by Wimborne BID and now in its third year, this free event once again promises an indulgent day of fabulous flavours, creative cooks and tempting tasters, bringing local producers, chefs, restaurants, retailers and food lovers together in the heart of the town.
Wimborne Food Festival is delighted to announce that acclaimed Dorset chef Colin Nash will be a headliner at the 2026 event, leading a live cookery demonstration in the Festival Food Theatre Marquee on Willow Walk near Waitrose. Colin is the first name to be revealed in what promises to be another exciting festival for foodie fans.
A true maestro of culinary art, Colin brings more than three decades of experience from the kitchens of renowned restaurants including Stanwell House, Langland Brasserie, The Three Tuns and Bournemouth & Poole College. Today, his own restaurant – The Colin Nash Restaurant at The Retreat, near Christchurch, showcases the very best of his craft and cooking shaped by skill, passion and deep-rooted knowledge of sustainable food sources.
Colin’s food philosophy centres on one core belief: exceptional dishes start with exceptional ingredients. His lifelong dedication to hunting and fishing gives him a profound understanding of regenerative and sustainable produce, informing a menu renowned for seasonality and locality. At The Retreat, ingredients are sourced almost entirely from the surrounding area, from Mudeford‑caught fish to wild venison from the Hinton Admiral Estate.
Colin Nash commented: “I’m excited to be asked to do a demo at the festival. Wimborne Food festival is on the same wavelength as the Colin Nash Restaurant – local and seasonal which we embrace. It’s my first time as a guest speaker at Wimborne Food Festival and I’m looking forward to seeing some new faces.”
Taking place across Wimborne from 11am until 4pm, the festival will once again transform the town centre into a bustling hub of tastes, aromas and food experiences. Visitors can expect artisan stalls, Dorset producers, free tastings and free cookery demonstrations, food pop‑ups, family activities and a full programme celebrating Wimborne’s thriving food and drink scene along with the best of Dorset produce.
More culinary names and programme details will be served up in the coming months. Keep an eye on Wimborne Food Festival website and social media.
If you are interested in taking part in the Wimborne Food Festival, email Wimborne BID manager Tammy Sleet at office@wimborne.info