A LOCAL foodie champion will be doing her bit to shine a spotlight on the south Warwickshire independent street food scene at two food festivals this month.
Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, who fronts Bia’s Kitchen Show, will be showcasing local chefs and artisans when she hosts the Live Cookery Theatre, at Stratford Food Festival, on September 20 and September 21. She is also going to be demonstrating one of her own dishes at Leamington Food Festival this weekend.
The 10th free festival, organised by Stratford BID, promises to bring the seaside to Stratford with its ‘Holiday’ theme. As well as the sights and smells of the Cookery kitchen, visitors throughout the weekend can also peruse more than 100 stalls along Henley Street and Bridge Street and take part in food trails and children’s cooking and art workshops, while enjoying walkabout entertainers and a few surprises.
Visitors can also look forward to afternoons of music from 12pm on both days from a line-up of local musicians including Texan Peacocks, Amicantus Singers, Major/Minor, Honor Isabella Music and Hannah Woof.
Bianca will be on hand to help showcase 10 local chefs demonstrating some of their signature recipes throughout the weekend.
Stratford BID manager Aaron Corsi said: “2025 sees an exciting change to the cookery demonstration stage and we are thrilled to welcome Bia who will be the perfect ambassador for this year’s food festival, bringing all the fire and energy to the stage. Bia champions local independents and already works with local chefs, making her a perfect choice for the town event.
“We may not be by the sea—but with our beautiful riverside setting, vibrant attractions, rich culture, and thriving hospitality scene, Stratford can more than rival any seaside resort.”
But before the culinary fun hots up in Stratford, on Saturday (September 6) Brazilian-born Bianca will be getting hands on in the Leamington Food Festival Live Cookery kitchen with her own brand of cooking style. From 1pm she’ll be hoping to whet appetites with her recipe for Brazilian-style beef skirt with butter, garlic and rosemary.
In this 18th year of the popular free event, around 120 exhibitors will be showcasing everything from street food sensations to local artisan produce with an exciting line-up of entertainment throughout both days.
Bianca added: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Kitchen Stage at the Stratford Food Festival this year. It’s a wonderful celebration of local food and talent, and I’m looking forward to bringing energy, flavour, and plenty of inspiration to the stage. I’m also excited to be returning to the Leamington Food Festival for the second year running.”
Visit stratforduponavonbid.co.uk/food-festival and www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk for more details.
