Dame Joanna Lumley

"Please will you join me this National Vegetarian Week? All we ask is that you choose some fabulously simple swaps and eat more delicious veggie food. Do give it a try – it’s so easy to make these small steps that will show our planet, and animals, a little kindness. Thank you!"

Chris Packham – wildlife TV presenter and conservationist

"Helping the environment can feel overwhelming, but each of us can make a difference, and it's easy to do. By reducing or cutting out meat, we can lower our carbon footprint, helping the planet and all its occupants. That's why I am supporting National Vegetarian Week. Sign up, try some of the delicious vegetarian recipes, and know you're having a positive impact!"

Mary McCartney

"Everybody has a different reason for being vegetarian, and for me if I had to pick one thing, it would be for the animals." Image credit: @grace.guppy

Hector Pardoe – Olympic open-water marathon swimmer

"As a lifelong vegetarian I have competed in two Olympics and won a World Championship medal whilst staying true to a vegetarian diet. It's about making choices that are kind to the planet, animals and one's own body. So, this National Vegetarian Week, I encourage you to try out some amazing veggie meals – small changes can make a big impact on your health and the environment."

Meera Sodha – cook and food writer

"The perfect week to put delicious vegetables at the centre of the table…I hope you enjoy my 18-Carat Laksa recipe." (The only thing I know of to be more successful than this recipe in dispatching a whole bag of carrots is a horse!)

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – founder of River Cottage and author of 'How To Eat 30 Plants a Week'

"Deliver more deliciousness to your plate this National Vegetarian Week. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have fun and experiment with some tasty and exciting new recipes, and to eat more glorious vegetables! Good for you and good for the planet."

Henry and Ian – BOSH!

"Our Easy Peasy Pasta is a vibrant celebration of fresh vegetables and robust flavours, perfect for National Vegetarian Week 2024. Simple to prepare and packed with goodness, this dish is one of our most loved recipes – we hope you love it too!"

Michaela Strachan – award-winning TV presenter and author

"Being vegetarian or even deciding to eat less meat, is such a simple, personal and positive step to helping the environment. Feel empowered, make a difference, strive for a more plant-based diet."

Justin Moorhouse – comedian

"I chose to change my diet to a vegan one, for animal welfare and environmental reasons, and it’s been a brilliant decision. It’s just a part of my life, I feel better and importantly, I know my decision is having a really positive impact. Join in this National Vegetarian Week, tuck into some tasty recipes and give it a go too!"

Jackie Kearney – Masterchef finalist, author & chef

“National Vegetarian Week is a great chance to focus on vegetable-based dishes and share enticing recipes. And hopefully encourage us to incorporate more plant-based food in our diets, which is better for our own health and the planet.”

Anna Jones – Cook/writer/best-selling author

"National Vegetarian Week encourages us, for just one week, to put a spotlight on delicious vegetable-centred meals. We all know we should be eating more vegetables and less meat, fish and dairy, for both our bodies and the planet and now is the time."

Liz Bonnin – wildlife biologist and science, natural history and environmental broadcaster

"This National Vegetarian Week let's give back to the planet that gifts us with so much. Make a few meal swaps and have fun with some delicious new veggie recipes, knowing that you are supporting the climate and nature, helping to create a brighter future for all life on earth!"

Cathy Cassidy – bestselling, award-winning author

"I went veggie age 14 – that's a LONG time ago now! My reason was that I didn't want to eat animals, and I've found it a natural and healthy way to eat, as well as a kind one. Veggie food isn't just healthy, it's varied and delicious – there's never been a better time to ditch the meat. Go on, join us for National Vegetarian Week – Mix It Up!"

Noreen Khan – award-winning radio and TV presenter

"I decided to turn vegetarian at the age of 13 and was inspired by my mum who was also vegetarian. Turning veggie was one of the best things I ever did, and I’ve never looked back. There are so many incredible veg options available and I’d highly recommend anyone considering turning veggie to give it a go!"

Cel Spellman – actor and presenter

"Adopting a more plant-based diet is one of the most effective things we can do as an individual to be more sustainable and planet friendly. Even if it’s just one meal a week. This week is a great place to start…with vegetarian and vegan dishes being tastier and more accessible than ever."

Rukmini Iyer – bestselling author/chef

"Growing up in a vegetarian household, I know just how varied, flavourful and filling plant-led cooking can be, and I’m delighted to support National Vegetarian Week. We know that the more plants we can eat in a week the better, and I love coming up with minimum effort, maximum flavour vegetarian and vegan dishes to help you get more veg on your plate."

Ella Mills – founder of Deliciously Ella

"Our aim at Deliciously Ella is to show how delicious, easy, and exciting plant-based food can be, to encourage more people to give a few more veggie meals a go. We’re so proud to support the Vegetarian Society with their mission, which is so aligned to ours."

Minal Patel, Head Chef at Prashad

"There are so many incredible alternatives to meat, that it’s never been easier (or more delicious) to go vegetarian! And National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to try it out and get experimental with new recipes. Vegetables take on the flavours from herbs and spices so well, so forget about all things bland and boiled, and cook up some seriously tasty meat-free meals."

Elly Curshen, aka Elly Pear – author and food writer

"I’m delighted to be involved in National Vegetarian Week and want to encourage everyone to try making some swaps, however small, and try some plant-based meals this week! There’s so much out there to inspire you and I hope you find something new that you love!"

Miguel Barclay – Chef, presenter and best selling author

"Celebrating National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to let people know about the wonders of vegetarian food. Some people will be giving it a try for the whole week, and after this week, even if they don’t fully commit to a wholly vegetarian diet moving forward, they’ll almost certainly be incorporating more vegetarian meals into their lives."

John Robb – journalist, TV and radio presenter, best-selling pop culture author, musician

"Try it! You might even like it! Drop the meat a couple of days a week and save a furry friend, the planet and yourself!"

Matt Pritchard – Chef and author

“Let’s all practice Ahimsa for National Vegetarian Week and beyond!”

Özlem Warren – Food writer and author

"Based on seasonal produce, whole grains, naturally flavoured with olive oil, spices, nuts, Turkish cuisine offers vibrant, easy, flavoursome choices for the vegetarian diet. I am so delighted to be a part of the Vegetarian Society's National Vegetarian Week to showcase our delicious, doable vegetarian Turkish flavours – Afiyet Olsun!"

Read our 60 second interview with Özlem

Annabelle Randles, a.k.a. The Flexitarian – Food writer and author

“Reducing the amount of meat in our diet benefits our health and the health of the planet. National Vegetarian Week is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself to make plants centre stage for a week. Having so many delicious recipes to try, makes it easy and manageable. Enjoy!”

Kwoklyn Wan – Chef, restaurateur, presenter and author

"Eating less meat and incorporating more vegetarian dishes into your diet not only benefits your health but also enriches your culinary experience. Embracing vegetarianism connects you with nature and promotes a sense of peace and mindfulness, making it a fulfilling choice for both body and soul. Rediscover the humble vegetable and unlock a world of flavours that nourish and delight our souls."

Read our 60 second interview with Kwoklyn

Claire Thomson – chef, food writer, podcaster and author

"Eat more veg, I think it’s catching on! I can cook with vegetables breakfast, lunch and dinner, the variety and versatility when it comes to cooking vegetarian food is jaw dropping, and I am in my element with a big pile of veg – slap-bang-centre – on my chopping board to cook with here at home."

Mark Diacono – Chef

"Whether you're an omnivore, vegan or vegetarian, National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the best of what we grow, and to perhaps reset how we eat to tread a little lighter on the planet, eat more seasonally and maximise deliciousness by putting vegetables more at the heart of our diet."

The Happy Pear

"At The Happy Pear, our mission is purely to help people eat more veg, get healthier & feel happier! National Vegetarian Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy of eating more veg – eat well, feel good, and live better!"

Rose Elliot – vegetarian and vegan cookery writer

"I am delighted to support National Vegetarian Week. Whether you are a flexitarian, “veggie curious” or simply fancy a change, National Vegetarian Week is a fantastic opportunity to try some delicious vegetarian meals. Do it for the taste sensation, do it for your health, do it for the planet and most of all, do it for the animals. Happy cooking!"

Thomasina Miers – cook/co-founder of Wahaca/food writer

"Eating a diet high in delicious seasonal veg, would not only have a huge impact on curbing carbon emissions but would also give a much needed boost of support for nature and biodiversity (not to mention a boost to our guts). It is one of the easiest ways to save our rainforests, birds and bees. So let’s embrace the huge variety of gorgeous fruits and vegetables at our fingertips, cook them in wild and wonderful ways and by doing so, look to reduce our meat intake.”