Whether you’re a chocoholic or a sucker for savoury, be sure to read our must-visit food festivals for this season.
What’s on this September?
With an array of produce ripening in autumn, artisan foodies are busy showing off their wares at feasts across the UK. From awesome apple and blackberry tarts, to hearty homemade soups, you’re bound to find something scrumptious on offer in September.
The Great British Food Festival at Arley Hall
Running a series of festivals jam packed with delectable delights across 11 locations throughout the year, the Great British Food Festival is making its way to Cheshire on the 22nd and 23rd September. With unlimited free access to the grounds of the majestic Arley Hall, visitors can expect unrivalled enjoyment with informative chef demonstrations, foraging walks and great grub that’s guaranteed to make your mouth water.
If you’ve got the guts, try your arm at Man vs. Food challenges or enter your best bakes into the Cake Off. Kids can be kept amused by the adventure playground, complete with zip wire and sandpit on a day that’s fun for all.
>Find out more
Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival
Set at Suffolk’s breath-taking Snape Maltings just minutes from the banks of the River Alde, Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival is now in its 13th year, and is set to be better than ever this time around. Taking place on 29th and 30th September, you can join Masterchef 2018 winner, Kenny Tutt, and a burgeoning guestlist of other familiar faces from the cookery scene as they talk you through some of their marvelous methods, across several stages.
Perfect for bringing along your loved ones, head over to the Hillfarm Family Meadow for toy tractor rides, pizza making and face-painting amongst other popular pastimes. Adults are sure to enjoy the Adnam’s Drink Experience, stocked with the regions best-loved beers.
> Find out more
Check out these October events
Synonymous with sticky Halloween sweets and scents of spiced pumpkin, October offers up plenty more treats than tricks when it comes to food. So, fold up your fancy dress costume and get your mitts on some tasty goodies.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Looking for a place to sample the most succulent seafood this Autumn? If so, the Falmouth Oyster Festival could just be your thing. Celebrating its 22nd year, this four-day soiree for all things shellfish runs from 11th October until the 14th, marking the beginning of the oyster dredging season and it’s not to be missed.
Watch local producers and chefs rustle up some magic during live cooking demos, or simply just tap your toes to the sweet beat of local music. Not a fan of this shelled Cornish staple? Fear not, there’ll be plenty more flavoursome fish dishes to whet your appetite throughout the festivities.
>Find out more
BBC Good Food Show, Glasgow
Arguably some of the biggest events in the foodie calendar, the BBC Good Food Shows are always special, boasting scores of stars offering their tips, tricks and expertise. Stopping off in Glasgow from 19th to 21st of October, you can hear from the likes of Masterchef’s John Torode, Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood and culinary genius Tom Kerridge, as well as many other well-established faces.
Along with the pros on show, high quality exhibitors will draw you in with the smells of their flavoursome fare, and be sure to stop off at The Spirits Lounge for hands-on masterclasses about the mystic world of mixology.
>Find out more
Have a nourishing November
The month containing the national days of nachos, peanut butter fudge and sundaes in the American foodie calendar, indulgence is the key in November. As you start to ponder prezzies for those fussy family members, take a wander around our final two festivals.
Northampton Winter Food Festival
The perfect precursor to the Christmas period, Northampton Winter Food Festival promises a stellar line-up of stalls and an equally captivating series of talks and demonstrations from figures in the food world this 10th and 11th November. Former Masterchef finalist Giovanna Ryan graced the stage in 2017, while audiences salivated over seasonally-inspired dishes from many a talented cook throughout.
With over 80 exhibitors trying to tempt you with their beautiful bites, perfect potables and pleasant products, you’re bound to find some glorious gifts for your nearest and dearest. In addition to this, cocktail classes and wine and gin tastings will keep you well-oiled, while kids’ cookery classes will entertain your entourage.
>Find out more
ChocFest
Hosted in the home of the humble Melton Mowbray pie, Chocfest pays homage to everyone’s favourite sweet treat in the form of a two-day feast in the Leicestershire town. Gracing the East-Midlands on 17th and 18th November, whip up your own chocolates with exciting workshops and try before you buy a whole host of delicious delicacies, including chocolate pizzas, beer and even kebabs.
If you’re feeling festive, why not get your hands on some chocolate baubles? Stylishly decorated and seriously tasty, there’s not a decoration more decadent. And don’t worry if the weather gets chilly – you’ll find plenty of hot cocoa on hand to keep the cold away.
>Find out more
