Every corner of Britain (from sprawling cities, to seaside fishing villages) has its own unique culinary treasures and traditions. And there’s no better way to learn more about regional specialities, delicacies (and eccentricities) than by getting in the car and heading to a local food festival.
Here are just a few to circle on your calendar this year.
Where: Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk
When: 14th June
Kentwell Hall, one of the UK’s finest examples of a Tudor mansion, provides a striking backdrop for this celebration of East Anglia’s artisan producers.
Eighty producers are attending in 2025, selling fine chocolates, local craft ales, award-winning bread and much more, alongside a buzzing demo tent, and a raft of street food vendors.
This year an area dedicated to the region’s best vineyards has been created, with free talks and pairings from businesses including Thorrington Mill, Toppesfield Vineyard, and Gunyard Vineyard.
Another new feature is the BBQ Zone, manned by influencer and expert Jack Rowbottom of Jack’s Meat Shack, who’ll host a number of ‘grillmasters’ showing off their live fire cooking skills.
Where: Windsor Enclosure, Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire
When: 5th-6th July
If barbecued food is your jam, you simply cannot miss this event – the biggest celebration of smoked and grilled food in the country.
There’s just so much to see and do. Stallholders selling grilling equipment, rubs, sauces and essentials. Chef demonstrations from the likes of Dark Side of the Grill, Matt Tebbutt, and Jurgen Hofman. Music – from bands including 90s legends Toploader and Dodgy.
And that’s just for starters. Other highlights for 2025 include the World Butcher Wars, and the Tacover. This new zone, dedicated to tacos and tequila, will be a feast for the senses, hosting competitions to find the best margarita and best taco in Britain, as well as a hot taco challenge.
Elevate your day by booking an advance seat in the Ember Lounge, where chefs will cook multi course tasting menus right in front of you.
Where: Bath Road Park, Lymington, Hampshire
When: 11th-13th July
This festival is a huge deal on the seafood scene. Organiser, Richard Nowell, says visitors this year can expect to find more than 100 different dishes to try from traders – including soft shell crab, cod cheeks and seafood tacos – with a special focus on cooking over fire, and an opportunity to sample the likes of Nordic smoked salmon flammlachs.
TV’s Chris Bavin hosts the Chefs Stage, introducing experts from Chewton Glen, Lime Wood and The Pig. And the onsite cookery school is a great place to learn new seafood skills. Every class ends with a glass of wine to pair with the dish you’ve cooked.
“Set to stunning views across the Solent, it’s the perfect place to gather friends us for a local craft beer, rum or gin and dance away to soul, blues, Motown, ska and heaps of pop and rock classics,” Richard adds.
Where: Clifton Downs, Bristol
When: 24th-27th July
Following a hugely successful debut last year, Feast On is back for its second year, championing Bristol’s incredible food and drink scene at the Clifton Downs.
The spotlight will shine firmly on producers and eateries that have contributed to putting the city on the foodie map, with demonstrations from creative chefs and innovative restaurants, street food and food stalls being joined by live music, sustainability talks and family-friendly activities.
New for this year are a series of summer work parties on Thursday afternoon. Designed with team bonding in mind, they offer the chance to try food and take part in activities such as axe throwing and wine tasting.
Where: Inverleith Park, Edinburgh
When: 1st-3rd August
The UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival is back in the Scottish city for the 20th year, and organisers say it just might be the best yet.
Known as ‘Gastro-Glastonbury’, the three-day event will feature demonstrations from MasterChef, Great British Menu, and Great British Bake Off contestants, alongside Michelin and award-winning chefs.
Already announced are The Hebridean Baker, Dean Banks, and Gary Maclean.
Also featuring in the jam-packed schedule are a Cake & Desserts Theatre, Kids Cookery School, Drinks Theatre (with tutored Champagne, beer, cider, cocktail and wine tastings), the Shopping Village, Artisan Market, and Feasting Tent, offering street food from across the world.
The Great Taste Market is a new feature this year, as are the Tasting Theatre (discover something new in a themed tasting), and the International Cook School, where you can learn new techniques, and cook a dish to take away.
And if all that’s not enough to whet your appetite, visit the Fire Stage for chilli eating competitions, dance the afternoon away at a silent disco, or listen to music headliners Scouting For Girls and The Wanted 2.0.
Harrogate Food & Drink Festival
Where: Ripley Castle, Harrogate, Yorkshire
When: 23th-25th August
As one of the biggest counties in England, Yorkshire has a huge amount to offer Britain’s foodies. Stunning seafood, heritage cheeses ... and Fat Rascals!
Harrogate Food & Drink Festival is all about showing love to the people, producers and places that contribute to Yorkshire’s culinary greatness.
Stroll the Fine Artisans Market to discover local charcuterie, fudgy brownies and beers. Watch chefs from some of Harrogate’s most acclaimed establishments cook their signature dishes in live demonstrations. And entice your taste buds with street food from some of the best traders in the UK.
Eight independent bars have refreshments covered (take a seat on a colourful deck chair while you sip).
And there’s oodles of entertainment planned too, as over 26 performers bring live music to the event.
Where: Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
When: 13th-14th September
The area around Sturminster Newton was once referred to as ‘the vale of little dairies’ by Thomas Hardy, with farmhouse cheesemaking being commonplace. This festival, first held in 1999 (shortly after its calf market – the largest in Europe – closed) pays homage to this part of Dorset and its rich cheese and dairy history.
Meet some of the finest cheesemakers from the area to find out more about their fascinating craft, while trying a huge variety of cheeses – from soft, creamy Brie-styles, to pack-a-punch blues.
Also attending are a number of other food producers and crafters, and street food traders (don’t go home without trying some gooey Raclette). There’s plenty to keep young visitors interested too.
