We’re delighted to announce that Shropshire Live will once again be the official media partner for the annual Ginger & Spice Festival, helping us celebrate a decade of bringing food, heritage and entertainment to the heart of Market Drayton.
Taking place on and around Saturday 26th September 2026, this year’s festival promises to be our biggest celebration yet, and we’re thrilled to be working with the team at Shropshire Live once again to share the excitement with audiences across Shropshire and beyond.
Bringing the Festival to Life
In the lead-up to the festival, Shropshire Live will be shining a spotlight on the people who make the event so special. Their popular mid-morning radio show, hosted by local presenter Ryan Kennedy, will broadcast from Market Drayton, featuring interviews with artisan traders, local businesses, sponsors, chefs and performers taking part in this year’s celebrations.
Whether you’re a regular visitor or discovering the festival for the first time, it’s a fantastic way to hear the stories behind the people who help make the Ginger & Spice Festival one of Shropshire’s most distinctive events.
Enjoy Live Music at the Shropshire Live Music Hub
On festival day, Shropshire Live will once again host the Shropshire Live Music Hub, located near Market Drayton Library on Cheshire Street.
Visitors can enjoy a full programme of live entertainment throughout the day, including performances from:
- Longlands School Choir
- Market Drayton Rock Choir
- Ian Nellins
- and more local artists
Presenter Chris Pritchard will host the Music Hub, keeping the atmosphere lively with music, festival updates, interviews and plenty of entertainment between performances.
Speaking about the partnership, Chris Pritchard, Editor and Business Partner at Shropshire Live, said:
“We have enjoyed being part of the Ginger & Spice Festival for the past three years, so to return as media partner for its 10th anniversary is very special.
“The festival is embedded into the events calendar of Market Drayton, and it’s great that we can share this with our wider Shropshire radio and online audience to help bring new visitors to the town.
“We are looking forward to sharing the build-up to the festival and the atmosphere on the day as well as hosting the entertainment at the Shropshire Live Music Hub.”
Ryan Kennedy Returns to Host the James Du Pavey Food Theatre
We’re also delighted to welcome Ryan Kennedy back for a second year as host of the James Du Pavey Food Theatre.
Running beneath the historic Buttercross from 9.30am to 4.30pm, the Food Theatre is one of the festival’s most popular attractions, showcasing live cookery demonstrations from leading local and regional chefs using seasonal ingredients and delicious spice-inspired recipes.
With more than 12 years’ broadcasting experience at the BBC, Ryan brings warmth, energy and plenty of enthusiasm to the stage, chatting with chefs about their techniques, inspirations and favourite ingredients while keeping audiences entertained throughout the day.
This year’s supporting sponsor is Perrys Field to Fork Artisan Cookery School, based in Eccleshall, with many of the guest chefs also teaching at the award-winning cookery school.
This Year’s Food Theatre Line-up Includes:
- Celebrity chef, TV presenter and author Rachel Green
- Carl Norton, Director of Perrys Field to Fork Artisan Cookery School
- Master Baker Michel Nijsten from The Inn at Baschurch and British Bread Company
- Dan Smith from The Pastry Box Shropshire
- Anna Christoforou from Anna’s Kitchen Table
- Local butcher Scott Shepley of Shepley’s Butchers
Ryan Kennedy said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be back hosting the James Du Pavey Food Theatre at the Ginger & Spice Festival for its 10th anniversary year.
“We have an outstanding line-up of talented local and regional chefs on stage beneath the historic Buttercross, and I can’t wait to delve into their recipes, tips and inspirations.
“It’s always a fantastic day full of great food, wonderful aromas and a brilliant atmosphere, and I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Market Drayton.”
Celebrating a Decade of Ginger & Spice
Festival Director Julia Roberts said:
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Shropshire Live for the 2026 Ginger & Spice Festival. Their coverage and support are invaluable in helping us share the festival’s unique story and reach new audiences across Shropshire and beyond.
“This year promises to be particularly exciting, with Ryan Kennedy returning to host the James Du Pavey Food Theatre, bringing together talented chefs, sponsors and food lovers for a fantastic programme of demonstrations and entertainment.
“We can’t wait to work together again and celebrate our 10th anniversary year.”
As one of Shropshire’s leading digital news and entertainment platforms, Shropshire Live will be helping us share the sights, sounds and stories of the festival before and during the event, ensuring even more people discover everything that makes the Ginger & Spice Festival so special.
We look forward to welcoming visitors to Market Drayton on Saturday 26th September 2026 for a memorable celebration of food, heritage, music and community.
Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more announcements as we count down to our 10th anniversary festival.
