We can bank on the fact that like us, you all love food. Being a fun-loving lot, you probably fancy a good festival too. When the two combine to create a gastronomic playground in a field? That can only be a good thing. We’re here to guide you to ten of the best UK food festivals taking place this summer.
The Big Feastival, Oxfordshire
What: Jamie Oliver’s family-friendly festival collaboration with famed musician and cheesemaker Alex James will welcome food fashionista Gizzi Erskine, as well as TV personalities The Fabulous Baker Brothers. They’ll be getting their hands dirty alongside Raymond Blanc, Tom Kerridge and, of course, Jamie Oliver. The soundtrack will be provided by The Kaiser Chiefs, Ella Henderson, Tinie Tempah and many more.
Where: Alex James’ farm, The Cotswolds, OX7 6UJ
When: 28-30 August
Why: Whether you’re there for the day, glamping or taking your campervan, the combination of food, live music and workshops will keep all ages entertained.
The New Forest Food and Drink Festival, Hampshire
What: Week-long festivities including culinary events, produce tasting and activities for every foodie – even the littlest ones. Whether you live locally, want to visit for lunch, a day, a short break or a whole week of forest feasting, this festival has something for everyone.
Where: Various sites across the New Forest
When: 31 October until 6 November
Why: It’s a bit later than the others, so if you’re a food festival fanatic, there’s one to look forward to as winter approaches.
Great Cornish Food Festival, Truro
What: When it comes to the best things to eat, we’re pretty sure that pasties, lobsters and ice cream are up there for most people. This celebration of Cornish creations sees over 100 food experts descend with buckets of grub for your consumption. You’ll be able to sample dishes from chefs including April Bloomfield (of NYC’s Spotted Pig) and Tom Adams (the man behind Pitt Cue).
Where: Truro, Cornwall
When: 23-25 September
Why: The GCFF showcases why this popular peninsula has gained such a reputation for great food and drink. It’s also a good excuse to go to Cornwall when the summer crowds have dispersed but the weather is still nice (fingers crossed).
Henley Festival, Oxfordshire
What: Slip into your best outfit for this one and go all out. Henley Festival takes place over five days, celebrating the best of international and UK music, art, food and comedy in a quintessentially British location. London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s will make this festival its home for the full five days, while two-Michelin-starred chef Daniel Clifford is planning an exclusive tasting menu.
Where: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
When: 6-10 July
Why: It’s totally glam.
Abergavenny Food Festival, Monmouthshire
What: If you believe that chefs are the rock stars of our time, then this star-studded line-up will have you squealing like a groupie: Monica Galetti, Jose Pizarro and Cyrus Todiwala are just a few of the headliners. You’ll also be spoilt for choice with fine food and drinks from over 200 producers.
Where: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
When: 17-18 September
Why: Monica Galetti, Jose Pizarro and Cyrus Todiwala. Need we say more?
Wilderness, Oxfordshire
What: Long-table banquets hosted by Skye Gyngell and Raymond Blanc, as well as chef’s table tastings with the likes of Lee Westcott (Typing Room) and Robin Gill (The Dairy). Hix, Moro and Petersham Nurseries will also be hosting their own feasting tents and Duck & Waffle is taking over the drop-in dining room. Don't miss the Petersham Nurseries and Lavazza pop up, where a magical garden bids festival-goers to feast on seasonal produce and, of course, plenty of Italian espresso. After all that feasting, why not join one of the late-night parties hidden in the woods? Ooo-er.
Where: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
When: 4-7 August
Why: This festival raises the bar, with top London restaurants holding stalls for your feasting delight. And did we mention late night parties in the woods and wild swimming? Embrace your inner hippy people.
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
What: Vampires beware, this popular festival hosts hundreds of local producers offering cheese, meats, ciders and garlic. Apparently, the UK’s most pungent bulbs are grown on the island by The Garlic Farm. Festival goers can try garlic fudge, popcorn and scones, and there are activities for all ages, plenty of cookery demos and live music.
Where: Totland Bay, Isle of Wight
When: 20-21 August
Why: Set against a beautiful backdrop of rolling green hills and farmland (to make you feel better about the rotten breath of everybody in attendance…)
Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, Suffolk
What: There’s no doubting that this is one of the UK’s most beloved festivals, as it rolls into year number 11. Aldeburgh is the perfect festival for curious home cooks, with a plethora of masterclasses, producers and chef demos.
Where: Snape Maltings, Suffolk
When: 24-25 September
Why: The quality of produce will make you never want to set foot in a supermarket again
Meatopia, London
What: Originally founded in New York City by US food writer Josh Ozersky, Meatopia moved to London when Ozersky teamed up with Hawksmoor’s Richard Turner. It’s all about top chefs from the UK and around the world cooking dishes you wouldn’t be able to try anywhere else, as well as butchery classes and chef demos all soundtracked by DJ sets.
Where: Tobacco Dock, Wapping
When: 2-4 September
Why: It’s the perfect day out for hard-core carnivores
Mark Hix’s Food Rocks, Dorset
What: Mr Hix’s Dorset-centric festival highlights local produce and seafood, hosting crab and mackerel suppers as well as demos from top West Country chefs.
Where: Lyme Regis, Dorset
When: 3-4 September
Why: Help to raise some money for maritime charities the RNLI and The Fishermen’s Mission
This article was published 21 June 2016
Yasmin Godfrey