Inside Out: Microbiome and Gut Health Festival

Paternoster Square, London | 22–27 September 2025
Free events • No booking required

Join us for the UK’s first festival dedicated to the microbiome — the hidden world inside us that shapes our digestion, immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing. Across the week, leading scientists, doctors, nurses, registered nutritional therapists, chefs, researchers and wellbeing experts share insights into how gut health connects to every aspect of life.

Community Compass

Representatives from local health and wellbeing advisers and community groups will be on hand throughout the event.

Download the programme at a glance here

Monday 22nd September
12:00 – 13:00 | Dr Robert Verkerk

The ecology of eating: the Food4Health way
A session exploring cutting-edge science and the microbiome. Details to follow.

Monday 22nd September
13:00 – 14:00 | Chef Sofia Gallo

Sourdough fermentation and its impact on our microbiome
Ever wondered why sourdough bread seems to feel better in your stomach than regular bread? It's not just in your head! The secret lies in fermentation. Sofia Gallo, Italian chef, cookery teacher, recipe developer and food stylist, demonstrates how traditional baking methods using whole and ancient grains can boost gut health, sustainability, and flavour.

Tuesday 23rd September
10:00 – 11:00 | Sarah Walton-Smith

Feel the beat: music and dance as a lifestyle medicine prescription
In this high-energy talk, entrepreneur and Lifestyle Medicine expert Sarah Walton-Smith explores how music and dance are more than just fun, they are powerful medicine for the mind, body and spirit.

Tuesday 23rd September
11:00 – 12:00 | Kirsten Chick

The gut microbiome and cancer prevention
Nutritional therapist Kirsten Chick examines the links between the gut microbiome and cancer, exploring prevention, resilience, and ongoing research.

Tuesday 23rd September
12:00 – 13:00 | Luca Cuccia

How your gut shapes your health
What does “gut health” really mean? What can stool tests really tell us? Founder and CEO of health tech startup Injoy and expert speaker for Global Healthcare Projects, Luca Cuccia translates microbiome science into plain English. Expect practical, no-shame guidance focused on foundational habits across food, movement, sleep, and stress.

Tuesday 23rd September
13:00 – 14:00 | Dr Megan Rossi

The gut health doctor: an easy-to-digest guide to health from the inside out
Listen to Dr Megan Rossi (PhD, RD), one of the most influential gut health specialists internationally and a leading research fellow at King’s College London, as she cuts through the noise and unpacks what the latest science really says about caring for your gut.

Tuesday 23rd September

14:40 | Official Opening Ceremony

HRH The Princess Royal VIP Visit

Tuesday 23rd September
15:00 – 15:05 | Luca Cuccia

How your gut shapes your health - Short Talk
What does “gut health” really mean? What can stool tests really tell us? Founder and CEO of health tech startup Injoy and expert speaker for Global Healthcare Projects, Luca Cuccia translates microbiome science into plain English. Expect practical, no-shame guidance focused on foundational habits across food, movement, sleep, and stress.

Tuesday 23rd September
15:30 – 16:30 | Chef Patti Sloley

Ghanaian foods for gut health
Join Patti Sloley, a chef on a mission to introduce the world to the glorious and exciting African food that she was taught to cook by her mum growing up in Ghana - foods rich in prebiotics and plant diversity that support a thriving gut ecosystem.

Wednesday 24th September
10:00 – 11:00 | Dr Amrita Vijay

Eat to beat inflammation: gut-smart foods that speak to your immune system
A practical, evidence-based look from a gut microbiome scientist looking at how food can become a powerful tool in managing inflammation and long-term health from the inside out.

Wednesday 24th September
11:00 – 12:00 | Dana Chapman

ADHD & your inner universe: nurturing your microbiome for clarity & calm
Research has highlighted the profound link between gut health and overall mental well-being. Hear about exciting new studies are now shining a light on its critical role in ADHD.

Wednesday 24th September
12:00 – 13:00 | Leyla El Moudden

Enzymes and gut health connection
The pancreas, the gallbladder, the gut wall, and the microbiome are all secreting and activating enzymes. Leyla El Moudden, Naturopath, Herbalist, and Head of Education for Enzyme Science UK, explains how all the digestive processes positively influence, support, and precede the work of the microbiome.

Wednesday 24th September
13:00 – 14:00 | Clare Heal

Sauerkraut masterclass
Join chef, self-taught fermentarian and freelance food writer Clare Heal to learn the simple skills for making your own microbiome-boosting sauerkraut.

Wednesday 24th September
14.00 – 15.00 | Dr Caitlin Hall

Brain food: the role of prebiotic fibre in reducing stress
Learn about the constant gut-brain conversation and the signals that shape stress levels, mood, focus, sleep, and even how we connect with others. Find out how prebiotic fibres can calm the mind, lift mood and build resilience to stress.

Thursday 25th September
10:00 – 11:00 | Hannah Braye

Transform your gut health with personalised prebiotics

Thursday 25th September
11:00 – 12:00 | Dr Victoria Sampson

The oral microbiome – the microbiome everyone should be talking about
Discover how your oral health plays a powerful role in your overall wellbeing and learn about the latest research linking the mouth to major conditions like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Benjamin Richardson Head & Shoulders-Option 1.jpg

Thursday 25th September
12:00 – 13:00 | Benjamin Richardson

Cacao, chocolate and the microbiome

Nutritionist, dedicated athlete & certified chocolate taster Benjamin Richardson shares what the real connections are between chocolate and our gut bacteria. Is chocolate healthy? If so, how? Why? What kinds? How much?