It used to be that the British summer was more fleeting than an American Presidential visit, but whether it’s a consequence of climate change or fake news, summers too seem to be getting longer these days. Which is great news for those wishing to sample the ever increasing number of summer food festivals in the UK popping up each year.
From London to Ludlow, and Edinburgh to Abergavenny, here is our slightly haphazard selection of some of the best food festivals in the UK and Ireland this summer.
Food Festivals throughout the Summer
Great British Food Festival, Chiswick House
The Great British Food Festival is a repeat offender, with a series of fests around the UK from May to September, from Dalkeith Country Park in Scotland to Margam Park in South Wales. The series kicks off at Burton Constable in Hull on 14 to 15 May, and concludes (at least according to the website) at Arley House Cheshire on 14 to 15 September. Simply enter your postcode on the website to find the one closest to you.
Pub in the Park
Double Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge brings his Pub in the Park food festival series around the UK from May to September. The series combines top food with excellent music, starting at Higginson Park Marlow from 12-15 May when Rag’N’Bone Man, McFly, Sister Sledge, The Brand New Heavies and Happy Mondays will joinTom Kerridge& Michel Roux Jr. The series concludes in Brighton from 16-18 September when The Human League, Soul II Soul and Dodgy will join Kerridge and Simon Rimmer.
Food Festivals in June
Taste of London
Heading to the capital for the first of several food festivals in London this summer, Taste of London will reappear in Regent’s Park for five days from 15 to 19 June. Michelin-star chefs, food demos and workshops will showcase the best of the city’s plethora of quality restaurants. This year, enjoy the Laurent-Perrier Club House, or sample the finest of Tequila with Patrónt.
Food Festivals in July
Edinburgh Food Festival
The only food festival in Edinburgh’s city centre, the Edinburgh Food Festival returns to the Assembly George Square Gardens in July (although at present the exact dates are not announced). Some 25,000 people are expected to discover what’s hidden in Scotland’s larder. With a strong emphasis on street food, choose between Jarvis Pickle’s pies, and seafood and ice cream from Alandas Gelato and Fish and Chips.
Rock Oyster Festival 2022 Cornwall
Dinham House will host the Rock Oyster Festival. Overlooking the beautiful Camel Estuary near Padstow, this year the leading UK food and music festival has teamed up with chef Jack Stein. Headlining the music side of the Cornwall festival are Happy Mondays, Passenger, Grandmaster Flash and Laura Mvula. Between 29 and 31 July 2022.
Food Festivals in August
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
Since 1983 the town of Newchurch on the Isle of Wight has been home to the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival. With a large array of local produce as well as a beer tent and archery – hopefully not together – this year’s festival, from 20 to 21 August, promises to kick up a bigger stink than ever. At least you won’t have to fear fending off any vampires at night.
Meatopia
The second of our food festivals in London, Meatopia comes to the capital’s Tobacco Dock from 2 to 4 September. Meaning exactly what is says on the can, Meatopia celebrates the finest of ethically-sourced meat. Top chefs listed to appear include Tom Brown from Cornerstone, Ramael Scully and Barragan Mohacho. So expect everything apart from a falafel.
Food Festivals in September
Taste East Devon Food and Drink Festival
This September will see East Devon become a foodie’s delight as the field to fork Taste East Devon Food and Drink Festival takes over the countryside. The festival will feature award-wining chefs, including Michael Caines, restaurants and producers for nine days from 3 to 18 September. From brewery open days, to farm feasts and tastings some events are free and others ticketed, but all will be full of entertainment.
Ludlow Food Festival
A veteran of the UK food festival circuit, Ludlow Food Festival dates back to 1995, this year returning to the picturesque medieval market town from 9 to 11 September. Held in the market square in Ludlow Castle few, if any, food festivals can compete in terms of setting. With its famous sausage trail, food talks and demonstrations, and produce from the Welsh borders, this really is a veritable food festival. If you can’t make September, there is a spring festival in May and a walk in August.
Abergavenny Food Festival
Finishing back where we started in Wales, 17 to 18 September will see the Abergavenny Food Festival. Almost 40,000 people are expected to visit the biggest food festival in Wales. This year’s highlights include an appearance from the creators of St. JOHN restaurant, José Pizarro and Diana Henry. While there will be a series of wild and foraged walks through the Welsh countryside, and a special Saturday Night Feast.
With so many food festivals in the UK and Ireland – we have just skimmed the surface – of one thing you can be sure, you won’t be going hungry this summer.
Accommodation in the UK
If you are looking for accommodation or flights during these food festivals in the UK and Ireland, please use our comparison engine. We scan all the major hotel and flight booking sites so you don’t have to.
