While summer may soon be over, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about autumn. If you’re still hungry for street food, local produce, and celeb chefs, here are seven UK food festivals to visit in the coming months.
This annual festival celebrates Manchester’s thriving food scene with talks, demos, supperclubs, music, and a Festival Hub on Albert Square. You can grab a drink at the Double Dutch G&T bar, watch Jack Monroe in the cookery theatre, sample the city’s finest street food, and enjoy Jay Rayner’s jazz quartet at Albert’s Schloss. There’s so much going on – check out the full programme for details.
Broadstairs Autumn Food Festival – 28-30th September
In late September, hordes of food lovers descend on the scenic coastal town of Broadstairs for a celebration of regional food and drink. For their 10-year anniversary, there will be over 100 stalls set up in Victoria Gardens and along the seafront promenade, as well as a chef’s theatre, cider house, and a vintage tea parlour. Entry is free!
There’s a packed schedule of food events at this year’s Aldeburgh food fest. Visitors can look forward to beer tastings, a huge producer’s market, gin cocktail mixing, and appearances from top chefs like Thomasina Miers, Tim Anderson, and Dhruv Baker. There are fringe events too, such as the Framlingham Sausage Fest!
Shropshire Oktoberfest – 5-7th October
With over 150 local ales under one huge tent, Shropshire Oktoberfest is set to bring Bavarian vibes to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park. Expect street food, stand-up comedy, a farmers’ market, and live music from oompah bands and local talent. If you’re not into ale, don’t worry – there’s a huge lager bar, prosecco parlours, a gin den, rum shack, and a pop-up cocktail bar.
The UK’s biggest baking event returns to ExCeL London for a weekend packed with sweet treats. Visitors can stock up on the latest baking equipment, check out the stunning cake competition entries, and pick up tips from Eric Lanlard, Rosemary Shrager, and John Whaite. Why not add some glamour to your day with a glass of Champagne or a visit to the Cake & Bake Nail Bar?
BBC Good Food Show, Glasgow – 19-21st October
Returning to Glasgow’s SEC Centre, the BBC Good Food Show highlights the best of Scottish cuisine. This year’s guest stars include Tom Kerridge, Paul Hollywood, and Nadiya Hussain, plus local heroes like MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean and award-winning pastry chef Helen Vass. You can try your hand at whisky blending in the Spirits Lounge, shop for local produce in the Producer’s Village, and dine at pop-up restaurants from Chez Mal, Two Fat Ladies, and The Grill on the Corner.
Dartmouth Food Festival – 19-21st October
The estuary town of Dartmouth comes alive in October for a weekend of food, drink and family fun. There will be over 100 producers showcasing produce from Devon and further afield, plus a foodie quiz, chef demonstrations, and workshops where you can learn to make pasta, ceviche, and more. They book up fast so don’t miss out.
Looking for a food festival near you? Search for your local area on Food Festival Finder.
