Foodies, mark your calendars! In 2024, the UK will host a range of exciting food and drink festivals. Here's a list of must-visit events with interesting facts to whet your appetite.
1. Malton Food Lovers Festival (25-27 May 2024, Malton, Yorkshire)
- Malton transforms into a haven for food lovers, offering chef demos, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Parking includes a free Park & Ride service, ensuring easy access to the festival's delights.
2. Pub in the Park (Various Dates and Locations)
This culinary version of Glastonbury brings together tasty dishes, top chefs, and great music across several locations:
- Marlow: 16-19 May
- Chiswick: 28-30 June
- Reigate: 12-14 July
- St. Albans: 6-8 September
3. Foodies Festival (Various Dates and Locations)
- A culinary extravaganza that travels across the UK, featuring Michelin-starred chefs, live music, and a fun-filled Kidzone. Locations include Brighton (4-6 May), Cardiff (10-12 May), and more, extending till September in Norwich.
4. Rock Oyster Festival (25-28 July 2024, North Cornwall)
- Set on the banks of the Camel Estuary, this festival combines food, music, and chef demos. Musical headliners like Sugababes and Bombay Bicycle Club add to the vibrant atmosphere.
5. Three Counties Food and Drink Festival (27-28 July 2024, Worcestershire)
- Celebrating producers from Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Herefordshire, this festival features live cookery theatre and a range of market stalls.
6. Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival (19-21 July 2024, Skipton)
- Attracting over 30,000 people annually, this festival in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales showcases top chefs, workshops, and a kid-friendly cooking school.
7. Smoke and Fire Festival (20-21 July and 17-18 August 2024, Ascot Racecourse and Maldon)
- The UK's largest BBQ festival celebrates outdoor cooking with gourmet BBQ flavours, live fire demos, and challenges for the brave-hearted.
8. The Big Feastival (23-25 August 2024, The Cotswolds)
- A combination of great food and music on Alex James' farm, this festival promises top chefs, artists, producers, and plenty of family activities.
9. Meatopia London (29 August – 1 September 2024, London)
- Dedicated to meat cooked over wood and charcoal, Meatopia gathers the world's best live-fire chefs for a unique gastronomic experience.
10. Taste of Scilly Festival (12-22 September 2024, Isles of Scilly)
- Spanning 10 days, this festival showcases island-grown produce, fresh shellfish, and local distilleries, vineyards, and farms.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or love exploring new culinary delights, these festivals offer gourmet experiences and family-friendly fun for everyone.
