13 British food festivals you don't want to miss

If you’re planning a summer trip to the capital, make sure you head to Taste of London to experience the biggest and longest running food festival in London. The festival is held every year and consists of five days of non-stop feasting, indulging and savouring delicious cuisines from the world’s leading food and drink brands. Sample signature dishes from London’s best restaurants, watch live demonstrations from Michelin star chefs or immerse yourself in a cooking masterclass. There are over 200 artisan food and drink stalls to explore where you can sample and shop the UK’s best wine, cheese, charcuterie and more. 

Located in London’s Regent’s Park, it’s easily accessible by tube on the Bakerloo line. Tickets start from £24 with a variety of packages to choose from including standard entry and VIP passes.

When? 15-19 June

Pub grub is a British staple and this unique festival is taking some of the best pubs on tour across the country. Hosted by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, Pub in the Park brings all the best aspects of a traditional English pub to the festival circuit; expect live music, craft beers and incredible food.

Pub in the Park will be stopping at several locations in England over the next few months, giving you plenty of opportunity to experience this unique festival first hand. 

When? 12-15 May (Marlow), 27-29 May (Wimbledon), 10-12 June (Warwick), 17-19 June (Bath), 24-26 June (Dulwich), 8-10 July (Tunbridge Wells), 2-4 Sept (Chiswick), 9-11 Sept (St. Albans), 16-18 Sept (Brighton)

Brighten up your trip by attending the much loved Foodies Festival to celebrate all things food and drink. Travelling across Britain throughout the year, this jam-packed three-day event has top headline performers providing live entertainment throughout the day. A huge line-up of world-class chefs giving live demonstrations and offering expert cooking advice, and with over 30 street food stalls to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Learn how to decorate cakes, make chocolate or explore the world of kombucha. Let loose and take part in the cream pie throwing games or challenge yourself to a hot chilli eating competition (not for the faint-hearted). 

Foodies Festival is happening across Britain this year, so be sure to stop by on a trip through the country to treat your tastebuds.

When? 20-22 May (Bristol), 3-5 June (Syon Park, London), 17-19 June (Chelmsford), 24-26 June (Maidstone), 8-10 July (Tatton Park), 15-17 July (Winchester), 5-7 August (Edinburgh), 12-14 August (Glasgow), 27-29 August (Oxford), 9-11 September (Norwich), 16-18 September (Exeter)

Landing in Manchester’s urban food market and entertainment space, Escape to Freight Island, Kantina brings top guest chefs, restaurants and bars to the already vibrant foodie scene at Depot Mayfield. Expect an explosion of flavours, remarkable food concoctions and drinks aplenty from some of the biggest names in the business, including Michelin-starred chef Tom Brown, renowned South-East Asian cuisine creator Pippa Middlehurst, and a supper club presented by Luke French, head chef and owner of Sheffield’s JÖRO.

Alongside the city feast, dance the night away with live DJ sets, satellite events and more across the whole weekend.

When? 10-12 June

Seafood lovers will want to head down to Kent in the summer to experience the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival. Step back in time and watch the first catch of the season brought to shore in this historic landing of the oyster’s ceremony. If you’re up for a challenge sign up to the oyster eating competition where you’ll be challenged to consume six oysters and half a pint in the quickest time. Warning – strong stomachs only for this one! If you’re not an oyster fan, don’t let that put you off as the oyster festival serves exceptional street food and refreshing beers all day from a variety of food stalls.

Whitstable is roughly a 1-hour 45-minute drive from London via the M2 or a 1-hour 30-minute train journey from London Bridge.

When? Date TBC

A beer lover’s paradise – Manchester’s biggest craft beer celebration hits up Depot Mayfield this summer. Expect a fully-loaded weekend of top-class beers, from sours to stouts, from more than 50 breweries, alongside live music from DJ Norman Jay and Goldie. Pomona Island Brew Co. and Blackjack Brewing Co. will represent the northern city’s brewery offering, and they’ll be joined by many others from across Britain, including Edinburgh’s Moonwake Beer Co. and Norfolk’s Duration Brewing. For foodies, tuck into signature BBQ dishes from The Fire Pits, which will feature live fire cooking and guest chefs. Or for a permanent chargrilled fix, head to The Ashes BBQ, whose dedicated fire pit will be cooking up meat feasts and veggie delights.

When? 22 – 23 July

Scotland’s largest free food and drink festival returns to Edinburgh, showcasing the flavours of the country alongside a whole host of chef demonstrations and workshops to get stuck into. Tuck into tasty international street food from poke bowls to fiery chili con carne, or dip into local produce including the nation’s iconic tipple, Scotch Whisky. 

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Edinburgh Food Festival is a foodie’s must-visit. Learn culinary skills and cooking tips from star chefs during daily workshops, and discover Scotland’s blend of diverse flavours.

When? July (dates TBC)

Big names are set to rock Cornwall this summer as chef director of the Rick Stein restaurant group, Jack Stein, brings a packed food-line up to the annual Rock Oyster Festival. With live music from the likes of Happy Mondays and Laura Mvula, and celebrity chefs including Rosemary Shrager and Rick Stein, this is one weekend set to tantalise your taste buds. Head to the various Chef Tipis for masterclass sessions on mixology, fish preparation and cakes, or tuck into an alfresco feast at Mussel Beach with live fire demos and DJ sets to leave you dancing into the late evening.

Hop into a wood fired hot tub with friends, find your zen with a stand-up paddleboard yoga session, or discover your wild side with a coasteering adventure – whatever takes your fancy, expect a jam-packed agenda of activities.

When? 30 July - 1 August

Calling all beer lovers! Your prayers have been answered with one of Britain’s biggest beer festivals. The Great British Beer Festival takes places every year in Olympia London, uniting beer enthusiasts from around the world. Choose from a selection of over 900 craft beers, real ales, ciders, perries, wine and gin to get your taste buds going. Join one of the tutored tasting sessions where you’ll learn how to identify the notes and flavours inside beer, you’ll become a beer connoisseur in no time. If beer isn’t your thing, don’t let that stop you as you can explore the diverse range of food stalls offering delicious street food. There’s also a host of live entertainment including rock/pop bands and traditional pub games. 

Located at Olympia London in Hammersmith, it’s easily accessible by tube on the District line. Tickets start from £20 and extra sessions can be added on.

When? 2-6 August

There’s no such thing as garlic breath at the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, as garlic lovers from across the globe unite to celebrate this pungent ingredient. You’ll find all things garlic here: ice-cream, popcorn, fudge, biscuits, sweetcorn, mushrooms and more. Even Britain’s most powerful garlic is produced here and ready to be sampled. Garlic is not the only item on the menu; there will be live entertainment from a variety of musical acts; a variety of children’s entertainment; and a larger than life fun-fair with rides suitable for all family members. Head to the beer tent to enjoy a cold refreshing ale or, if you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, check out the tea tent for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.

The festival takes place just outside of Newchurch, which is roughly a 3-hour 30-minute drive from London via the Portsmouth – Fishbourne ferry. Tickets start at £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children.

When? 20-21 August

The Big Feastival brings chart-topping music and world-class chefs together in the scenic Cotswolds for a family-friendly celebration of both worlds. See live acts like The Human League, Anne-Marie and the Stereophonics on the main stage while feasting on delicious street food from around the world. There are even special events for passionate foodies, a table and tasting session with some of your favourite chefs and food experts. Plus, master all manner of culinary skills in the NEFF Big Kitchen to improve your own dishes at home.

When? 26-28 August

If you’re adventurous when it comes to food, Abergavenny Food Festival is ideal for you. From learning how to cook over a fire to sampling the freshest Welsh produce, there’s plenty to discover across the two days. Pick up a festival wristband and you can enjoy free access to all of the festival’s main events, featuring special workshops with local chefs and exclusive tasting sessions.

In the evening, stick around for one of the festival’s legendary parties at Abergavenny Castle. With live music and plenty of local booze, it’s always a night to remember.

When? 17-18 September

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry because we haven’t left you out. VegfestUK London is one of the longest running vegan festivals in Britain. Returning to The Grand Olympia London in November, the two-day festival will showcase more than 200 stalls offering cooking demonstrations, educational talks, plus live entertainment including comedy, magicians and live music. You'll even find special wellness activities like yoga and qigong; an ideal way to work off all the vegan snacks you'll be consuming.

When? 12-13 November