It used to be that the British summer was more fleeting than a UK PM, 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
Foodies Festival
Beginning in Edinburgh in 2006, the Foodies Festival has expanded to become what organisers tout as the UK’s largest food and drink festival. Often referred to as Gastro-Glastonbury, the Foodies Festival now encompasses 13 events, spanning from May 4 to September 8, across England and Scotland, showcasing high-quality food and stellar live performances. This year will see Blue, Peter Andre, Sister Sledge and Boyzlife performing.
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 concludes in St Albans from 6-8 September.
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 12 to 16 June. Michelin-star chefs, food demos and workshops will showcase the best of the city’s plethora of quality restaurant.
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 from 19-28 July. 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 Pickles pies, and seafood and ice cream from Alanda’s Gelato and Fish and Chips.
Rock Oyster Festival 2024 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 Nathan Outlaw, Tom Brown and Matt Tebbutt. Headlining the music side of the Cornwall festival are Human League, Sugarbabes and Bombay Bicycle Club. Between 25 and 28 July 2024.
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 19 to 20 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 29 August to 1 September. Meaning exactly what is says on the can, Meatopia celebrates the finest of ethically-sourced meat. 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 14 to 22 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 13 to 16 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, 21 to 22 September will see the Abergavenny Food Festival. Almost 40,000 people are expected to visit the biggest food festival in Wales. 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 – we have just skimmed the surface – of one thing you can be sure, you won’t be going hungry this summer.
Updated 5 May 2024.