We are thrilled to announce that Shropshire Live, one of the county’s leading digital news and entertainment channels, will once again be an official media partner of our 9th annual festival, taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025.
Shropshire Live’s Support for the Festival
Building on previous successes, Shropshire Live will play a key role in supporting communications in the lead-up to and during the event. Their popular mid-morning radio show, broadcast from Market Drayton and hosted by local presenter Ryan Kennedy, will feature interviews with artisan traders, businesses, sponsors, and artists taking part in the award-winning festival.
New for 2025: Shropshire Live Music Hub
On festival day, Shropshire Live will host the brand-new Shropshire Live Music Hub near Market Drayton Library on Cheshire Street, close to the children’s craft area. Expect a lively line-up of performances from:
-Longlands School Choir
-Market Drayton Rock Choir
-Ian Nellins
-Art Brasil drumming group
And more
Chris Pritchard, editor and business partner at Shropshire Live, will MC the hub, providing music between acts, meeting festival-goers, and capturing the buzz of the day.
Ryan Kennedy to Host the James Du Pavey Food Theatre
Also new for 2025, Ryan Kennedy will step into the role of host for the James Du Pavey Food Theatre, located beneath the historic Buttercross. Running from 9.30am to 4.30pm, the theatre will showcase top local and regional chefs preparing spice-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
The line-up includes:
Sara Guidi – Italian cook
Michel Nijsten – Master Baker, The Inn at Baschurch & British Bread Company
Stephen Hill – British Champion Butcher, Perry’s of Eccleshall
Dan Smith – The Pastry Box Shropshire
Scott Shepley – Shepley’s Butchers, Market Drayton
The Food Theatre is headline sponsored by James Du Pavey with Perry’s Field to Fork Cookery School as supporting sponsor.
Festival Director, Julia Roberts, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome Shropshire Live back as media partner. Their support is invaluable in helping us showcase the festival, not only here in Market Drayton but across the whole county. Having Ryan host the Food Theatre is an exciting new addition for 2025.”
Chris Pritchard, Shropshire Live editor, said:
“Partnering with the Ginger & Spice Festival has always been a highlight for us, and we’re thrilled to be back. The festival is such a vibrant, free community event that celebrates food, culture, and heritage – and we can’t wait to share it with our readers and listeners.”
Ryan Kennedy, broadcaster and presenter, added:
“As a Market Drayton resident, I’m so proud to see the Ginger & Spice Festival grow into one of Shropshire’s most loved events. Hosting the Food Theatre this year is a real privilege – I can’t wait to meet the chefs, learn from their skills, and share the excitement with the audience.”
