Despite the UK’s less-than-perfect reputation when it comes to its food, we have food and drink festivals happening around the country practically every weekend. These festivals offer countless opportunities to try local produce, regional specialities, and delectable cuisine from all around the world – right on our own doorstep. So, here are some of the food and drink festivals happening around the UK that you should add to your calendar.
As you might expect from summer festivals, these all take place outdoors, so you’ll probably want to prepare for the weather and pack a windproof umbrella should it take a turn for the worse during the day.
Great British Food Festival – various dates and locations
Between now and the end of September, the Great British Food Festival will be taking place at various locations around the UK. Set against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most picturesque locations and combining amazing food, drink, music and entertainment, this festival is perfect for a family day out.
You can expect to take part in competitions and chef demonstrations, get the kids involved in cookery and craft workshops, and, of course, sample some amazing food. These festivals are also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about your pampered pooch missing out on the fun.
Foodies Festival – various dates and locations
Between May and September, there will be a total of 14 Foodie Festivals taking place around the country – making it the largest food and drink festival in the UK. With a huge gathering of local producers, traders and artists, Foodies Festival is billed as a celebration of local food, where you’ll be able to try out the best from each area where the festival is taking place. In addition, you’ll get the chance to see Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef champions, and stars from The Great British Bake Off doing live cooking demonstrations and masterclasses. When you need to take a break from the food, there’s also a stage with live music from artists such as Example, Blue and Sister Sledge.
Pub in the Park – various dates and locations
This year, Pub in the Park will be coming to four locations just outside London between May and September – including Marlow, Chiswick, Reigate and St. Albans.
As the name suggests, Pub in the Park is a celebration of the great British pub, combining fantastic food and drink and live music. At each festival, you’ll get the chance to visit pop-up restaurants and eateries from some of the UK’s most renowned chefs. The man who started it all is celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who will be hosting and cooking at every location.
To top it off, there’s also live music, fairground rides, and a dedicated kids’ area with games and crafts to keep everyone entertained.
Big Feastival – 23–25 August, Cotswolds
Think Glastonbury, but with amazing food, that’s Big Feastival. With headliners including Becky Hill, Snow Patrol and Cat Burns and a line-up of celebrity chefs, this is a brilliant event if you’re into music as much as you’re into food!
There’s also plenty of entertainment for kids throughout the weekend, including fairground rides, Circus School, family raves, or even getting up close with farm animals at Adam Henson’s award-winning Cotswold Farm Park. Luxury camping is also available if you’d like to stay for the whole weekend in style.
Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival – 19-21 July, Skipton
This festival has some of the best food you can find around Yorkshire and makes a great summer day out (or weekend) to spend with your friends and family. Previous festival guests have included celebrity chefs James Martin, Si King of the Hairy Bikers and the legendary Mary Berry.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can get stuck into workshops and masterclasses or watch the best at work on the live demo stage. For children, there’s a mixture of cooking classes, playgrounds, face painting and a kid’s stage with entertaining shows throughout the weekend.
Rock Oyster – 25-28 July, Cornwall
Rock Oyster is a food, music and culture festival that’s held on the grounds of Dinham House, which overlooks the Camel Estuary in North Cornwall. Over the weekend, you’ll get to try mouth-watering dishes from some of Cornwall’s best chefs and restaurants, experience live music and take part in a wide variety of events.
Music headline acts for 2024 are The Human League, The Sugarbabes and Bombay Bicycle Club, along with an impressive line-up of professional chefs including Matt Tebbutt, Emily Scott and Tom Brown.
When you need a relaxing moment away from all the excitement, you can step into Spa Morvoren, where you can treat yourself to sound baths, meditation, yoga or an indulgent massage. Or, discover something new and join in with talks, panels, comedy and quizzes in the ‘Headylands’ area.
Are you feeling hungry yet?
These are some of the biggest and best food and drink festivals happening around the UK—but there are also many more that we haven’t been able to write about here. So, make sure to check out what’s happening near you and get your knives and forks ready for a fun-(and food)-filled weekend away.
