The UK has an exciting food scene that provides a diverse mix of delicious dishes inspired by various corners of the globe. If you’re a self-confessed foodie, you would be foolish to overlook the many exciting food festivals hosted up and down the country, as they’ll provide access to dishes and flavors you’ve never experienced.
From fish and chips to classic or modern takes on international cuisines, there’s a scrumptious dish you’ll never forget at each festival. If you are ready to find them, here is your guide to the best food festivals in the UK.
Blenheim Palace Food Festival – Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England
You’ve never attended an event quite like the Blenheim Palace Food Festival. Expect a sophisticated experience from beginning to end, as you can treat yourself to various artisan treats from acclaimed chefs, such as Raymond Blanc, Gurdeep Loyal, and Olivia Burt.
When you’re not indulging in stunning savory dishes, craft brews, and artisan bakes, you can enjoy the beautiful backdrop of its gorgeous manicured grounds that date back 300 years.
There are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, too, as you can attend cooking classes from top chefs, watch live demonstrations, and the kids can enjoy circus skill lessons, to name a few fun things to do.
Glastonbury Festival – Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, England
Delicious dishes might not be your first thought when thinking of Glastonbury, but it should be. In addition to providing sets from famous international artists, the iconic festival features 400 food traders to keep music lovers full and happy.
You’ll be torn between the many fantastic stalls spread across the venue, which feature many international cuisines, including British, Italian, Chinese, Caribbean, Thai, American, and more. Also, enhance your foodie experience with luxury glamping from Yurtel at Glastonbury Festival, as you can stay in luxury accommodation and you’ll have access to a champagne bar, cocktail bar, lounge, and an al a-carte restaurant serving stunning dishes by a fantastic guest chef.
Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival – Lichfield, Yorkshire
250 traders from across the UK will appear at the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival, promising three days of delicious dishes in Lichfield, Yorkshire. There’s plenty of street food to keep your tastebuds busy, which includes international dishes and Yorkshire classics. Expect appearances from top celebrity chefs, too!
When you can tear yourself away from the food, you can attend a Great British Bake Off cookery school, BBQ and pitmaster demonstrations, ale-tasting classes, all-star comedy nights, and celebrity DJ sets. It’s a must-visit for a family of foodies, as the kids will love the petting zoo, circus school, kiddies’ cinema, children’s storytime, and fun fair.
Abergavenny Food Festival – Abergavenny, Wales
Abergavenny Food Festival promises a weekend of culinary delights in September, as you can take your pick from wonderful Welsh delicacies and international cuisines. Once you’ve filled your belly with flavorsome cheeses, melt-in-your-mouth meats, and the tastiest treats, you can attend cooking workshops and demonstrations from top chefs.
You can trust your kids will never feel bored at the event, as it offers a children’s cookery school, face painting, a willow weaving workshop, a musical food quiz, and many more family activities.
Glasgow Vegan Festival – Glasgow, Scotland
It doesn’t matter if you’re vegan or not; you will not want to miss the Glasgow Vegan Festival. You will not regret exploring the 80+ stalls available at the event, which provide delicious alternatives to meat and dairy products. Think yummy cakes, healthy savory dishes, great-tasting juices, smoothies, and more.
Also, many celebrity chefs and global speakers will be in attendance, and you can enjoy live shows, outdoor activities, cooking demonstrations, and headline acts between dishes. It’s a must-visit if you’re vegan or want to sample delicious plant-based dishes.
Eats and Beats Festival – Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Good food and music come together to create the popular Eats and Beats Festival in Newcastle, County Down. Foodies won’t forget the event, as they’ll have an opportunity to try fresh seafood delivered directly from Carlingford Lough’s shores.
Many of the dishes served will take you on a culinary journey, as you will feel more connected to Northern Ireland when sampling its Mourne Mountains-inspired dishes that will warm you right up. You’ll want to spend many an hour exploring the festival’s artisan food market, which features gourmet street food, locally crafted cheeses, and delightful bakes. Also, you can enjoy plenty of great music from local traditional and folk bands, DJ and acoustic sets, street performers, and international acts.