Serve it Forth 2026: all speakers now announced

Hello everyone. Here’s just a very quick post to let you know that all of the guests and sessions have been announced for Serve it Forth Food History Festival 2026, which is taking place between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm (BST) on 17 October. I’m leading two sessions this year, starting the day with a discussion about becoming a food historian with Eleanor Barnett and ending the day with a chat about the diminutive yet mighty anchovy in the UK with Sally Grainger and Sudi Pigott. Tickets are £12 plus an Eventbrite booking fee. Get your Serve it Forth 2026 tickets here A big thank you to everyone who has already bought a ticket. It’s going to be a really fun and interesting day. Thanks also to our sponsors as well: CKBK, Steenberg’s, Replica, Regency Fiction Writers, Blackfriars and Lindisfarne Mead. Here’s a breakdown of the day. Click on the links to see more information about the session. 10.30-10.35am: Welcome 10.35-11.15am: Amuse Bouche with Neil Buttery Becoming a Food Historian with Dr Eleanor Barnett 11.15-12.15am: First Course with Sam Bilton How did the Normans change the way we eat? Special guests: Professor Giles Gasper and Jennie Hood 12.15-12.45pm: Lunch – Time to refuel! Why not check out some of the recipes from last year for inspiration? 12.45-1.45pm: Second Course with Thomas Ntinas Exploring the diets of athletes and gladiators in the Ancient world Special guest: Alexandra Sills 1.45-2.00pm: Short Break Time to grab a cup of tea or coffee. 2.00-3.00pm: Third Course with Dr Alessandra Pino Food on the move: travel and dining in the Regency Special guest: Paul Couchman 3.00-3.15pm: Short Break Time to grab a cup of tea or coffee! (or a cocktail – we won’t judge you!) 3.15-4.15pm: Fourth Course with Dr Neil Buttery Anchovy in the UK: The history of the anchovy in Britain and beyond Special guests: Sally Grainger and Sudie Pigott 4.15-4.30pm: Closing Remarks Farewell for now!