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All-star MasterChef line-up set to spice up Newcastle's iconic eat street for one night only

intouch Magazine
Sep 18
2 min read

Four people smiling; one in a kitchen, another by a door, one in casual wear, and one outdoors. Bright and friendly atmosphere.

Celebrated chefs Brendan Pang, Emelia Jackson, Reece Hignell and Depinder Chhibber will add a culinary twist to the cultural feast on offer during Newcastle’s upcoming New Annual festival (September 26 – October 5, 2025).

The MasterChef fan favourites will dish up exclusive live cooking demonstrations across two food stages during Global Gathering, one of the signature events on New Annual’s 2025 program.

Hamilton’s rich cultural history and cosmopolitan dining destination, Beaumont Street, will provide the perfect backdrop for Global Gathering’s celebration of food, music and community.

Adding extra spice to the Global Gathering program, the chefs will be interviewed live on stage by acclaimed hosts Benjamin Law and Jennifer Wong. The duo will delve into each cook’s approach to food, their favourite ingredients, and the personal family histories that inspired their passion for cooking.

Depinder Chhibber – celebrated for her vibrant spice-driven dishes and contemporary take on Indian cuisine.
Reece Hignell – Newcastle’s own dessert king, AKA Cake Boi, loved for his nostalgic sweets and elegant pastries.
Emelia Jackson – champion of season 12, renowned for her show-stopping bakes and indulgent desserts.
Brendan Pang – fan favourite with a flair for fresh, soulful dumplings and modern Asian flavours.

Beyond the food, two entertainment stages will showcase the rich diversity of Newcastle’s community, featuring flamenco guitarist Paco Lara, the storytelling movement of Minangay Dreaming, and the high-energy spectacle of Samoan Dance.

Group of women drumming joyfully on stage, wearing glittery costumes. Vibrant lights and haze create an energetic, festive atmosphere.

Audiences can also experience the powerful rhythms of ILE ILU, a collective of women drummers, horn players, and dancers led by Marina Da Silva, and the genre-bending soundscapes of GabzaK & Dance of Worlds.

Global Gathering is where food, culture, and community come together – and everyone’s invited.

When: Saturday 4 October, 2-9pm

Where: Beaumont Street, Hamilton, Newcastle

Cost: Free – presented by New Annual festival

For more information, visit newannual.com/explore/events/global-gathering-2025

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