Toby’s Garden Festival Reveals Official 2026 Line-Up

Set against the stunning backdrop of Powderham Castle on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd May 2026 (10am–5pm), Toby’s Garden Festival has revealed an exciting programme of expert speakers and special guests set to headline this year’s event. Building on the 2026 theme of Discovery, the festival’s expanded talks line-up promises fresh and inspiring ideas and practical takeaways for gardeners, food lovers and families alike.

Festival founder and broadcaster Toby Buckland will be joined by a host of leading voices from the worlds of gardening, food and drink. Among the headline names are BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson and BBC One Garden Rescue’s Chris Hull, alongside a rich programme of additional speakers and special events across the two days.

Joining the line-up on Saturday, 2nd May is Jonny Hinks, the creator behind Garden with Jonny, whose down-to-earth approach to gardening has earned him a following of more than 1.8 million people. Known for his honest, practical advice and infectious enthusiasm, Jonny encourages gardeners of all levels to get stuck in and enjoy the process. Appearing on Saturday at 1:15 pm, Jonny will be discussing his newly released book, Garden Yourself Happy, as well as taking part in a live interview with Toby Buckland, reflecting on his gardening journey and the experiences that continue to shape his work. 

Food and drink writer and broadcaster Susy Atkins returns to the festival to compère the Talks Theatre programme, guiding audiences through a series of engaging sessions, tastings and conversations with producers and experts across the weekend. Susy will be on stage across both Friday and Saturday, hosting sessions throughout the day, with her dedicated Q&A forming part of the afternoon programme.

Award-winning food writer, grower and broadcaster Mark Diacono will also join the line-up, bringing his signature passion for seasonal food and homegrown produce. Mark will appear on Friday afternoon, with trained ecologist, passionate gardener, writer and author, Becky Searle, where he will introduce his latest book, followed by a signing. Later in the day, he will return for a session titled A Taste of the Unusual, exploring some of the more surprising flavours and ingredients that can be grown at home.

The Talks Theatre, located in the Castle Dining Room, will once again host a vibrant schedule of demonstrations, tastings and discussions celebrating the very best of West Country food and drink. From expert-led workshops to relaxed conversations, the programme is designed to inspire visitors to grow, cook and enjoy more from field to fork.

New for 2026, the festival is expanding its collaboration with Woofstock, introducing a dedicated programme of dog-friendly activities across both days.

The Woofstock Fun Dog Show will take place on Friday, 1st and Saturday, 2nd May, beginning at 10:30 am each day and continuing into the afternoon, featuring a variety of light-hearted categories and culminating in a ‘Best in Show’ finale. With rosettes awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class, all category winners will go on to compete for the top prize – including the chance to win tickets for a family weekend at Woofstock 2026.

There is no need to register in advance; visitors can simply arrive shortly before their chosen category begins. Entry is free, with a suggested charitable donation on the day. Full details of categories will be available on the festival website.

Woofstock will also be joined by supported charity Animals in Distress, who will be hosting a fun “distraction alley” across the two days, offering further opportunities for dogs and their owners to get involved. These additions build on the much-loved K9 Corner, giving four-legged visitors even more to enjoy across the festival.

With over 200 exhibitors, specialist nurseries, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and a growing programme of talks and entertainment, Toby’s Garden Festival 2026 is set to be its most dynamic yet.

Other festival highlights include street theatre, live music from local artists and a charming fleet of classic vintage cars lining the castle’s main drive.  The popular Artisan Barn also returns, showcasing local artists, crafts, ceramics, textiles, glassware and jewellery.

Tickets are on sale now at £19.00 per person, with under-16s free (except for Tea & Cake in the Castle and VIP tickets). Tea and Cake in the Castle tickets are £35.00 per person. All tickets are available at www.tobygardenfest.co.uk. 

For a truly memorable visit, guests can upgrade to the VIP Experience (£100 per person), which includes festival entry plus all-day access to Powderham Castle’s breathtaking 14th-century library and music room, morning tea, coffee and biscuits, canapés and a light buffet lunch, afternoon tea, a glass of fizz and a VIP gift bag.

For the full programme and the latest festival updates, visit tobygardenfest.co.uk or follow @tobygardenfest on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Image left to right: Becky Searle, Chris Hull, Jonny Hinks, Mark Diacono, Toby Buckland, Susy Atkins and Arit Anderson.