Fire Stage
Melissa Thompson
Where:
Fire Stage - Inner Bailey
When:
Melissa Thompson is an award-winning food writer, broadcaster and barbecue chef.
Her second book, Fired Up, celebrates barbecue with modern recipes and tips on getting started.
Her debut cookbook, Motherland (Bloomsbury 2022), charts the evolution of Jamaican food from the island’s indigenous population through to today, alongside traditional and modern recipes. It was listed as a ‘Cookbook of the Year’ by BBC Radio 4 Food Programme, The Observer New Review Books of the Year, The Telegraph Top Cookbooks of 2022, Delicious Magazine’s Books of the Year, The Financial Times Top 3 Cookbooks of 2022 and many more.
As a writer, she has penned powerful articles on the British food industry that became focal points for important discussions around identity, diversity and inclusivity. She has won the Guild of Food Writers’ Food Writing award, was named PPA’s Food Writer of the Year and was crowned BBC Food & Farming Awards’ Digital Creator of the Year in 2024.
She is a panellist on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet and writes for publications including Good Food, The Guardian, National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, Waitrose Magazine and more.
Three fantastic festivals
11, 12 & 13 September 2026
Showcasing independent food and drink producers from the Marches. Embracing contemporary food trends & innovations.
8, 9 & 10 May 2026
Barrels of real ale, live music, talks, food and drink, kids' activities and a host of classic vehicles.
Sunday 9 August 2026
Ramble through the rolling countryside surrounding Ludlow and enjoy delicious food and drink from the region's producers.