Taste of Grampian 2024 is right around the corner, and it’s gearing up to be another show-stopping day of culinary delights with plenty on the go for all ages.
From celebrity chef cooking demos, live music, workshops, masterclasses from local chefs, drinks tastings and a children’s zone, to name a few things, the one-day event will once again offer a taste of the north-east (and further afield).
There will also be more than 150 exhibitors in attendance showcasing their fare.
Here’s all you need to know about Taste of Grampian 2024 – from ticket prices to information on the local and celebrity chefs and the times of their demonstrations – as well as what not to miss.
When and where is Taste of Grampian 2024 taking place?
Saturday, June 1 will see state-of-the-art Dyce venue P&J Live play host to the indoor foodie experience for the third consecutive year.
It will take place in the main arena hall – where acts including Gerry Cinnamon, Lewis Capaldi and Rod Stewart have performed – from 10am to 5pm.
How much does it cost to get in?
Tickets for admission are now on sale on Ticketmaster, priced at £15 (plus a £1 booking fee).
Children under 12 go free.
You can also purchase tickets for £18 on the day of the event at the main P&J Live entrance.
Parking in the underground car park on-site is free.
Who are the celebrity chefs at Taste of Grampian 2024?
This year, the celebrity chefs in attendance are Nadiya Hussain MBE and Hairy Biker, Si King. It will mark Nadiya’s Taste of Grampian debut.
Si is making his return to the in-person event after headlining the 21st edition in 2022 alongside James Martin.
The duo are each hosting two cooking demonstrations (upstairs in the atrium area), two 45-minute book signings, and running a Q&A session on the main stage.
Si’s Q&A will run from 11am to 11.45am, while his demos take place at noon and 2pm. The first is focusing on a recipe for beef and kidney bean fessenan, while the second is a pork steaks with grapes and mustard recipe.
His book signings are at 1pm and 3pm.
Nadiya’s Q&A takes place from 1.30pm to 2.15pm, while her demos run from 1pm and 3pm.
The two demonstrations will focus on recipes from her cookbook, Nadiya’s Simple Spices – hash smash breakfast and keema plate pie, respectively.
Tickets for the demonstrations are £20 (plus a £1.50 booking fee) each.
*Please note you must purchase a general admission ticket as well as a chef demo ticket to be able to access the shows.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Marks and Spencer’s and ITV’s Cooking with the Stars’ Poppy O’Toole will also be attending – in partnership with title sponsor Marks and Spencer.
The Michelin-trained chef, TV presenter, best-selling author, internet sensation and self-crowned Potato Queen headlined the one-day food and drink event alongside James Martin last year.
There are local chefs too – who are they?
Four multi-award-winning north-east chefs will also get the spotlight on the main stage.
From small plates and handcrafted patisserie to dishes shining a lighting on local produce, the chefs intend on pulling out all the stops to satisfy event goers.
They include Ross Cochrane, Kevin Dalgleish, Graham Mitchell and Graham Sutherland.
Their cooking demonstrations will take place from 10.20am to 10.45am, 12.45pm to 1.15pm, 3.30pm to 4pm, and 4.10pm to 4.30pm respectively.
Kevin is creating roast loin of Aberdeenshire lamb with braised shoulder, spiced aubergine, confit courgette, salsa verdi, goats curd, and a lamb jus.
Graham Sutherland will prepare a vanilla crème brûlée encased in a whipped chocolate ganache and served on a sable biscuit.
Read more about the Taste of Grampian 2024 local chefs here.
How do I get there?
You can take your car and park in the underground car park on-site at P&J Live for free, get a taxi or get dropped off at the venue.
However, you can also travel by bus on Stagecoach’s Jet Service 727, which runs between Union Square and the Airport, or via Service PJ1.
For more information on the full bus timetables, click here.
Who are the sponsors?
Taste of Grampian 2024 is brought to you by the Press and Journal, Marks and Spencer Food, and in association with ANM Group.
Event sponsors include Cala Homes, Laings, Costco, Aloft, Hilton Teca, Dough & Co and Opportunity North East (ONE).
What else can I expect at Taste of Grampian 2024?
1) Children’s activities
As previously mentioned, there’s something for all ages.
Your kids will be kept entertained throughout the day, whether they make use of the bouncy castle, or check out the balloon modeller or face painting and glitter tattoo stations.
A Beano’s Gnasher Trail is running, too. Kids can complete the trail and collect a free 2024 Beano Annual from the P&J stand (E34).
Taste of Grampian 2024’s title sponsor Marks and Spencer are setting up a Percy Pig area with fun interactive games and a Percy pick ‘n’ mix.
They will also be giving out Percy Pig goody bags, and have arranged for Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig mascots to wander round the arena.
2) Marks and Spencer stand
Speaking of Marks and Spencer, I’d urge you to check out their stand.
They will be supplying:
- Two six-meter inflatable Percy Pigs
- A free coffee bar for Sparks customers and anyone signing up for a Sparks card
- Seating areas
- Market stalls with shortbread, strawberries, whisky and cheese
- Grab and go stations
- M&S goody bags for adults
3) Exhibitors, vendors and music
While you can buy a huge variety of food and drink products to take home, there will also be a number of vendors you can purchase hot and cold food and drink items from.
They include Acropolis Street Food, Seasonal Flavour, Shorty’s Ice Cream Parlour, Seafood Bothy, and Deeside Soft Fruits.
You’ll find a crafters area where you can pick up a range of items, too. In recent years there has been everything from jewellery, crockery, skincare, glassware, art and more.
There will be live music performances taking place throughout the day, too.
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