Festival of Cake

Bake-Off Competition

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2025 Festival of Cake Bake-Off Competition! We are so grateful for your passion, creativity, and incredible talent.

For those who would like to register early for next year, please find the link below.

Why Participate?

  • Showcase Your Skills: Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, this is your chance to shine! Display your baking prowess and artistic flair in front of a panel of esteemed judges and an audience of cake lovers.
  • Win Exciting Prizes: Compete for fabulous prizes, including baking supplies, gift cards, and the coveted title of Festival of Cake Bake Off Champion!
  • Network with Professionals: Meet and connect with top pastry chefs and industry experts.
  • Learn and Grow: Participate in workshops and masterclasses to enhance your skills.
  • Enjoy the Experience: Celebrate your passion for baking in a fun and supportive environment and gain new ideas for your own baking adventures.

When Is It?

  • Friday 28 November 2025 – Professional Bake-off
  • Saturday 29 November 2025 – Amateur Bake-off
  • Sunday 30 November 2025 – Junior Bake-off

Who Can Enter?


Professional Category:
Open to individuals aged twenty-one (21) or older who:

  • Have at least one (1) year of documented professional baking or culinary experience; or
  • Have received formal baking or culinary education; or
  • Receive payment for their services in the field of baking or cooking.

Amateur Category:
Open to individuals aged eighteen (18) or older who:

  • Do not receive any form of compensation for baking or cooking services; and Have not received any formal baking or culinary training.

Junior Category:
Open to individuals aged ten (10) to seventeen (17), regardless of experience, who have an interest in baking.


*Participants who provide false or misleading information regarding their eligibility or category classification may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the Organiser.*

our Judges

Anna Olson

Anna Olson

Canada’s beloved baking expert and accomplished chef, is a globally recognised television personality and author known for her practical, inspiring approach to cooking and baking.

Claire Clark MBE

Claire Clark MBE

Claire Clark MBE is regarded as one of the top three pastry chefs in the world. Claire was a judge in the first series of the BBC's Bake Off: Crème de la Crème.

our special guest judges

Jermaine cunningham

Jermaine cunningham

Jermaine Cunningham is a pastry chef at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. Trained at Westminster Kingsway College, he has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens under Tom Aikens, Peter Gilmore, Simon Rogan, and Adam Handling. His international career spans London, Sydney, and Dubai, where he is known for combining classical pastry techniques with modern storytelling

Markus bohr

Markus bohr

Markus Bohr is an internationally acclaimed pastry chef with over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality across five continents. A Stuttgart Pastry Master graduate, he has led pastry teams at iconic hotels and has served as Executive Pastry Chef at Harrods London since 2008. Renowned for blending classical craftsmanship with innovation, he has helped set global standards in luxury pastry.

penelope d’arcy graham

penelope d’arcy graham

Penelope d’Arcy Graham is the Cake Artist at Atlantis The Royal, overseeing the hotel’s bespoke couture cake creations. With over 20 years of experience, she is internationally known for her refined sugar artistry, delicate floral work, and luxury wedding cakes. Awarded Wedding Cake Designer of the Year 2025, Penelope has taught over 9,000 students worldwide and collaborated with industry icons including Mich Turner MBE and Peggy Porschen.