Sunshine, good vibes and incredible eats? Yep, the summer food festival season is upon us! 🍔
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and explore the country’s culinary scene with this ultimate guide to the must-visit UK food festivals coming up this summer.
So whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a pizza fanatic or simply love trying new cuisines, there’s something for every foodie out there this summer. So grab your picnic blanket and sunscreen (fingers crossed for sunshine!) and prepare for a delicious summer adventure! Let’s dig in!
Pub in the Park
Marlow 16th-19th May 2024 | Chiswick 28th-30th June 2024 | Reigate 12th-14th July 2024
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First up on our summer food festival tour, we have Pub in the Park. This iconic music and food festival is back for 2024 with not one, not two, but three outstanding festivals planned this summer! Between the 16th and the 19th May 2024, Pub in the Park heads to Marlow; next up, Chiswick between the 28th and the 30th June 2024; and then Reigate between the 12th and the 14th July 2024.
But what’s planned for 2024? Well, if you love the idea of mouth-watering food, refreshing drinks and live music all rolled into one amazing experience, Pub in the Park is the UK food festival franchise for you. Expect the top chefs showcasing their culinary creations, award-winning pubs and restaurants serving up their signature dishes and craft beers and cocktails flowing freely across three of England’s prettiest locations!
WingJam London
24th-26th May 2024
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London’s beloved chicken wing festival is back for 2024 and packed with finger-licking goodness you won’t want to miss. First launched in Peckham back in 2018, WingJam has become the signature dish of South London’s food calendar.
Located at the Peckham Arches, this London food festival brings together the best chicken wing vendors in the UK. All for £1.25 – £1.50, discover every flavour of the chicken wing under the sun (including pineapple, buffalo, smokey honey jalapeño, tequila and even doughnut!). Set on a gorgeous all-weather terrace with funky entertainment, bar areas and even a hot wing contest or two, WingJam is a chicken wing lovers’ paradise this summer.
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Swindon Cheese and Chilli Festival
6th-7th June 2024
Returning for its 6th year, The Swindon Cheese and Chilli Festival is where creamy cheese meets fiery chillies for a weekend of taste bud explosions. We’re talking award-winning cheddar alongside zingy hot sauce and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella paired with smoky chipotle jams.
No matter your spice preference, take a tour of the UK’s favourite cheese and chilli vendors – you might come home with a new food obsession. Or if you’re feeling brave, there’s also the infamous chilli eating competition – just be prepared for some hilarious (and fiery!) consequences for those who dare to take on the spiciest challenge.
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Taste of London
12th-16th June 2024
This legendary London food festival is the summer’s hottest ticket in the capital. Get ready for five glorious days of indulging in bite-sized wonders from London’s top eateries and vendors. From succulent bao buns at Flesh & Buns to yummy BBQ delights at Hotbox London and Japanese-Italian fusion at Angelina.
Feeling inspired? Catch live cooking demos from the experts and pick up some new culinary tricks. Plus, don’t miss the amazing selection of artisan stalls overflowing with unique ingredients and tempting treats. Regent’s Park is about to become the ultimate foodie dream, and you’re invited!
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Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival
7th-9th July 2024
This three-day extravaganza in the heart of the Welsh capital is set to feature over 100 independent producers from across Wales and beyond? Discover your new favourite flavours at the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, from curries and paella to kebabs and tacos. And with three exciting areas of the festival to explore, there’s something for the whole family!
The Producers Fair is the go-to for tasty bakery gems, artisanal ice-creams, gorgeous cheese, meat and sweets! Head to the Farmers Market packed with fantastic local produce, including wine, cider, beer and spirits. Or if you’re looking for an array of yummy hot delights, the Street Food Piazza is a laid-back foodie fest with plenty of food trucks, pop-ups and stalls for every appetite.
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The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival
19th-21st July 2024
Craving a taste of the countryside this summer? Look no further than the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival. This epic three-day UK food festival is like Disneyland for foodies, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Get ready to be dazzled by over 250 delicious food and drink stalls. We’re talking everything from delicious Yorkshire curd to sizzling international street food. Whether you fancy a proper pie or a taste of Thailand, your taste buds will be thanking you. Plus, the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival is also jam-packed with entertainment for the whole family. Watch celebrity chefs James Martin and the Hairy Bikers work their magic in the cookery demos or sign up for a workshop and learn how to bake the perfect loaf of bread.
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Edinburgh Food Festival
21st-31st July 2024
The Edinburgh Food Festival is back this summer, offering ten glorious days of delicious eats and exciting activities – and best of all, you won’t have to break the bank! That’s right, the fantastic Edinburgh Food Festival is completely free to enter, making it the perfect way to treat your tastebuds while on a Scottish city break.
Set in the picturesque Assembly George Square Gardens, the Edinburgh Food Festival is one of the capital’s favourite annual events. Wander through stalls brimming with tasty treats from around the globe, from succulent jerk chicken to mouthwatering paella and fluffy Japanese pancakes. Or explore the range of local Scottish producers showcasing their finest offerings – savour the freshest ingredients whilst supporting the local community.
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Rock Oyster Festival
25th-28th July 2024
Get ready to rock out and slurp down some deliciousness this summer! The Rock Oyster Festival is back for another year of culinary delights and outstanding musical moments! This award-nominated festival isn’t just about oysters (although those will be plentiful and incredible, of course).
This four-day music and food festival on the stunning Cornish coast fuses the top UK artists with Michelin-starred chefs and creative food stalls, offering everything from fresh locally caught seafood to mind-blowing foodie adventures. Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just appreciate a good party with phenomenal food, this UK food festival has something for everyone.
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New Forest Food Festival
17th-18th August 2024
Next up is a newbie to the food festival scene! For the first time ever, this picturesque area of England will welcome food enthusiasts for a weekend packed with local produce, artisan vendors and internationally acclaimed eateries.
Surrounded by stunning scenery, ancient woodlands and maybe even a glimpse of a wild pony or two, this UK food festival is located in the heart of the beautiful New Forest. Expect Artisan cheese makers with creamy brie and tangy cheddar, local bakers with buttery, flaky pastries and don’t forget the brewers and distillers offering refreshing local ales and gins – perfect for a summer sip!
Entry for kids under 16 is completely free, so you can bring the whole family and enjoy a delicious day out without breaking the bank. Adult tickets are super reasonable too, at just £8 for pre-booked tickets and £10 on the day.
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Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
17th-18th August 2024
Buckle-up garlic lovers, the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is a paradise for anyone who appreciates this pungent clove. The Isle of Wight is home to some of Britain’s most celebrated garlic and this food festival is all about celebrating this delicious ingredient in all its forms.
Explore endless stalls overflowing with garlicky goodies, from ice cream (yes, you read that right!) and popcorn to even fudge! If you’re feeling a bit more classic, there are plenty of stunning savoury options including fresh, local produce drizzled with the finest garlic oil and juicy burgers infused with garlicky marinade. There’ll be live music to keep your toes tapping and fun activities to keep the little ones entertained too.
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The Big Feastival
23rd-25th August 2024
True to its name, The Big Feastival is exactly that – a glorious celebration of food and music packed into one! Tantalise your taste buds and groove to some amazing tunes under the summer sky this August at this Cotswolds-based food festival.
Discover delicious offerings from Michelin-starred chefs, artisanal producers and up-and-coming street food vendors. Whether you crave succulent slow-roasted meats, fancy a taste of global cuisine or have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying, The Big Feastival has it all. But it’s not just about the food! The Big Feastival boasts an impressive lineup of musicians across various genres, including Becky Hill, Snow Patrol and Ministry of Sound Classical. So come hungry, come ready to dance and prepare for a weekend of pure summer fun at The Big Feastival.
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Meatopia
29th August – 1st September 2024
Summer means firing up the grill and what better way to celebrate than at a festival dedicated to all things meat? That’s right, meat lovers, Meatopia is back in London this August and it’s promising to be a scorcher (in the best way possible)!
Meatopia is a celebration of high-quality, ethically sourced meat cooked to perfection by a team of all-star live-fire chefs. With over 70 culinary wizards showcasing their talents over sizzling wood and charcoal, filling the air with smoky goodness, this London food festival is a feast for all the senses. Plus, there’ll be workshops and demos where you can pick up some fire-cooking skills to impress your friends at your next garden BBQ.
So, whether you’re a BBQ connoisseur, a burger champion or just looking for a fun-filled weekend of sizzling flavours, fiery fun and good times, Meatopia food festival is a must-visit this summer.
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The Great British Food Festival
Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire 4th-6th May | Harewood House, Leeds 25th-27th May | Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire 31st May-2nd June | Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh 15th-16th June | Knebworth House, Herts 20th-21th July | Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire 17th-18th August
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