The UK's Best Food & Drink Festivals - Don't Miss Them in 2024
When you ask people the reason they visit the UK, or indeed what they love about it, "the food" isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind.
That's a bit of a shame, I think - because under the hood we have a great food scene. The French are famous for cheese, but who came up with cheddar and stilton? The Americans have great barbecue - but is it better than a beef wellington or roasted leg of lamb?
And when it comes to breakfasts… I think we all know who's top of the league.
The UK has plenty of incredible food festivals. I've visited them in Dorset (where I Iive) Bristol and London - which of course has amazing variety. Below, I'm going to walk you through the best food festivals for 2024, with dates, locations and enough detail to get your mouth watering.
The Great British Food Festival
Dates: Various
Ticket Price: £13.50
An annual event that takes place in a range of different locations throughout the UK, it's hard to believe The Great British Food Festival started off as a small family business after a lightbulb "we should start a festival" moment.
Now it's anything but small. Showcasing the best of British cuisine, it features a whole bunch of artisan stalls, tasty street-food bars, demos from expert chefs, a cake-off and even a man / woman versus food competition. A great range of everything from hand-crafted burgers to delicately spiced curries, stone-baked pizzas to fresh salads, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Thai, seafood and everything in between is sure to satiate your taste buds.
With many stalls offering gluten-free and nut-free options and catering to vegans and vegetarians, this is one of the UK's most complete and accessible food festivals to visit. It's dog friendly, has a great selection of bars (featuring compostable cups and no single-use plastic) and even a mini-zoo for the kids. Or adults - we don't judge!
Click here to view locations and dates.
Taste of London
Dates: 12th - 16th June
Ticket Price: £24
I was at Taste of London last year - and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Conveniently, the five day festival is held slap bang in the midst of Regents Park, meaning there is plenty of space for a serious variety of good food. Like London itself, the festival is a melting pot of foods and cultures; last years exhibitionists included Dim Sum Terrace, Seoul Bird, Burger & Lobster, Afghan Caravan and more (and more… and more…)
As well as a fine selection of London's best restaurants brought to one place, there's a great array of snacks, ingredients, coffees and cocktails on hand to be bought. Add in a few flame-fuelled theatrics, cocktail masterclasses, cooking classes from Michelin star chefs and an end of day DJ set and you are guaranteed a good time.
Plus, 2024 marks the first year that the Summer Garden Package includes unlimited Pimms - as well as beer, wine and soft drinks. If you happen to need to book a party or company trip around that weekend, it could be the perfect outing!
Bristol Vegan Fayre
Dates: 30 March
Ticket Price: £5
Whether you're a vegan or not, it's worth visiting Vegan Fayre at some point. It might be an eye-opener! There's a great selection of food stalls from across the UK (usually upwards of 80 in total) for you to sample - plus a range of vegan goodies and treats. It was here that I tried vegan Baileys for the first time (which in my opinion is actually better than "normal Baileys.")
As well as tasty food, Vegan Fayre plays host to a wide range of speakers, performers, activists, musicians and comedians. As well as entertaining thousands each year, the festival supports independent businesses and charities. You can also pay a visit to Brighton Vegan Fayre and London Vegan Fayre, though dates haven't been released at the time of writing.
Great Dorset Chilli Festival
Dates: 3rd & 4th August
Ticket Price: £10
When I mentioned that I've been to food festivals in Dorset, this was the first that came to mind. So that you can't accuse me of absolute favouritism, I'll mention that there's a range of chilli festivals across the UK which I've listed below - so you can find one close to you.
But if you're on the south coast, The Great Dorset Chilli Festival is a top day out. Those who like it hot will find a great variety of dishes from across the globe; tacos to thai curries, samosas, street food and sea food… plus an amazing range of spicy pickles, relishes, chutneys and chocolates to choose from.
In addition, events like the chilli sauce competition, chilli plant competition and of course a chilli eating competition ensure there's plenty of spectacle to be had. Local chefs are also on hand for cooking demonstrations and talk to fuel your inner Gordon Ramsey.
And if you're not a fan of heat, don't worry - there's a great selection of street food that still make this a worthwhile trip.
Other Chilli Festivals:
- Eastnor Chilli Festival - TBD, May
- Winchester Chilli & Cheese Festival - 1st & 2nd June
- Reading Chilli Festival - 22nd June
- Swindon Chilli & Cheese Festival - 6th & 7th July
- Benington Chilli Festival - TBD, August
- The Surrey Chilli Festival - 14th & 15th September
- Wiltshire Chilli Festival - TBD, September
- Fulham Palace Chilli Festival - TBD, September
The Bubbly Show - Searcys
Dates: 26th & 27th April
Ticket Price: from £60
The Bubbly Show by Searcys is a two day Champagne extravaganza, which celebrates not just champagne but English sparkling wine. It's held over two days in April, and hosted in the magnificent Grade 1 listed Carlton House Terrace - a Westminster townhouse just a short meander away from Buckingham Palace.
As well as showcasing the finest champagnes, the event champions British sparkling wine producers - because in case you haven't heard yet, British sparkling wine is on a very steep rise to popularity. The event features tastings, talks, a champagne afternoon tea and a selection of masterclasses. If you're not a connoisseur already, it's very likely that you will be by the time you leave!
The Bubbly Show hosts a range of Champagne houses, with the 2024 line-up including the likes of Laurent- Perrier, Gosset, Perrier-Jouët, Drappier, Palmer, Taittinger, and Pommer. It promises to be a fabulous day out in an unforgettable setting.
National Geographic Food Festival
Dates: 20th - 21st July
Ticket Price: £15
When you think of National Geographic, food festivals probably aren't the first thing that springs to mind. Don't be put off - it turns out Nat Geo can put on quite the celebration. Exploring food and drink from every corner of the globe, the London-based festival is an immersive experience covering food, drink and travel.
On the main stage, you can expect to see some of the culinary world's experts preparing their favourite dishes live, along with tips, tricks and stories. There's also a speakers corner, where authors of some of the most exciting cookbooks recently released present their work. A dedicated wine & spirits theatre gives you the opportunity to be guided through tastings by top sommeliers and renowned drinks experts.
And (of course) there's plenty to taste. Get acquainted with cuisines you may never have tasted - whether it's Greece, Grenada, Italy or Montenegro. Uniquely, you can try your hand with cocktail making, cheese-board crafting and more in one of many expertly curated workshops and tasting experiences. Ideal for anyone who wants to walk away with a new string to their culinary bow - and of course, a full stomach.
Closing Thoughts: UK Food & Drink Festivals
Thanks for reading! These food and drink festivals are across the length and breadth of the UK, and most take place every year - so there should be something for everyone.
If like me, you're a foodie who loves the UK food scene, this is the next article for you: The Only Six Restaurants in London that have Three Michelin Stars.
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