GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2026: A Celebration of Culinary Diversity
As the countdown to the 2026 GTCO Food and Drink Festival begins, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc has taken significant steps to ensure the event will be a memorable experience for attendees. The festival, which is set to take place from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, will be held at the GTCentre, located at Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This year’s edition of the festival, titled “Everything Food and Drink,” promises to be a vibrant celebration of global culinary traditions. The theme reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing the richness of food and drink across different cultures. Organizers have received over 6,000 applications from food and drink vendors, with more than 200 selected participants granted free retail stalls. This selection process ensures that the festival will feature a diverse array of offerings, ranging from traditional dishes passed down through generations to contemporary interpretations of global cuisine.
The festival will provide an opportunity for attendees to explore a wide range of flavors, techniques, and culinary experiences. From street food to gourmet creations, the event will offer something for every palate. The organizers have also taken steps to address space constraints that were experienced in previous editions. This was done in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, ensuring that the event will be well-organized and accessible to all.
In addition to the food and drink offerings, the festival will feature a variety of activities designed to engage and entertain attendees. These include interactive masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, and food and wine tastings. There will also be a vibrant marketplace where small and medium-scale food businesses can showcase their products alongside established culinary brands.
A Platform for Cultural and Economic Growth
Speaking about the significance of the festival, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, emphasized its role as a platform for cultural and economic growth. He described the GTCO Food and Drink Festival as a living expression of the institution’s values—innovation, opportunity, and enterprise that is accessible to all.
“The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has, over the years, become a living expression of what we stand for as an institution: innovation, opportunity, and enterprise that is accessible to all. What makes this platform special is not just its scale, but its humanity. It brings together people from different walks of life around something universal — food and drink — and in doing so, it breaks barriers and builds connections that extend far beyond the event itself,” he said.
The festival is not just about food; it is about creating a space where people can come together, share experiences, and celebrate the universal language of food and drink. With its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the 2026 edition promises to be an unforgettable event.
Highlights of the 2026 Edition
- Culinary Showcase: Over 200 selected vendors will present a wide range of traditional and contemporary dishes.
- Interactive Activities: Attendees can participate in masterclasses, live demonstrations, and tastings.
- Marketplace: A vibrant space for small and medium-scale food businesses to connect with customers.
- Enhanced Security: Strengthened safety arrangements to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.
With careful planning and collaboration with local authorities, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2026 is poised to be a major event in the culinary calendar. As the date approaches, excitement continues to build around the festival’s ability to bring people together through the shared love of food and drink.
