Top Yorkshire Chefs Unite for Candlelighters Charity Dinner at Rudding Park

Five of Yorkshire’s most acclaimed chefs will join forces at Rudding Park in Harrogate for a distinguished five-course dining event dedicated to raising funds for Candlelighters, a children’s cancer charity.

Organised by Yorkshire Food Guide and supported by R and J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers and Butchers, the exclusive event will take place on 18 May. Each chef will present a course, showcasing the finest local produce and culinary expertise.

Candlelighters provides crucial support to over 500 families across Yorkshire affected by childhood cancer annually, offering a range of services from financial assistance to emotional care.

The chef line-up includes Adam Degg from the Michelin-starred FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park, Ruth Hansom of The Times’ 2025 Restaurant of the Year, Jake Jones of the Michelin-starred Forge at Middleton Lodge, Ahmed Abdalla of Legacy at The Grand and a Great British Menu finalist, and Callum Leslie, Executive Chef at the Michelin-starred Black Swan Oldstead.

This celebration of English culinary talent will be complemented by drinks from Domaine Evremond and Taittinger’s English sparkling wine, with R and J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers and Butchers supplying the meat. The menu has also received endorsement from hospitality interior designer With Rachael.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the chefs and participate in a silent auction featuring exclusive experiences and overnight stays, all in aid of Candlelighters.

Samantha Williams, Partnership Development Manager at Candlelighters, emphasised the charity’s vital role: “Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family.

“Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

“We are so grateful to Yorkshire Food Guide, Ruth Hansom, Callum Leslie, Ahmed Abdalla, Jake Jones, Adam Degg, the event partners and everyone attending for turning their passion for food into meaningful support for Candlelighters’ families. It’s a wonderful celebration of Yorkshire at its very best.”

Adam Degg, Head Chef of FIFTY TWO, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the Candlelighters chef’s dinner. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the hospitality community to come together and support a charity that makes such an important difference to families across Yorkshire.

“I’ll be serving our signature Brown Butter Custard Tart from FIFTY TWO, a dessert that reflects our approach to taking simple, beautiful ingredients and refining them with precision and care. I hope the evening raises significant funds for Candlelighters and showcases the strength of our region’s food scene when we unite behind a meaningful cause.”

Ryan Atkinson, Managing Director of headline sponsor R and J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers and Butchers, added: “As a Yorkshire-born and bred family business, when Yorkshire Food Guide approached us about the opportunity to support the ultimate dinner in aid of Candlelighters at Rudding Park, the answer was simple, yes.

“We are proud to sponsor this incredible event for three great reasons: Yorkshire produce, the incredibly talented team of chefs that we supply, and ultimately striving for improving the quality of lives for all those affected by cancer today and in the future.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £125 per person and can be purchased via the Yorkshire Food Guide website.