Looking for a family-friendly, foodie day out this month? Whether you fancy a cookery demo or some street food in the sunshine, here are six of the best UK food festivals to visit in August.
The Great Dorset Chilli Festival – 1-2nd August
Feel the burn in Dorset this weekend at the annual chilli fiesta! There will be stalls selling all things chilli-packed, plus chilli eating competitions, spicy street food, and local beers and ice-cream to help you cool off.
Foodies Festival, Edinburgh – 7-9th August
There’s lots happening at Inverleith Park next weekend, from the new Tasting Theatre to chilli eating challenges and a Cake & Bake Theatre for foodies with a sweet tooth. Take a cocktail masterclass, get some BBQ tips, or just relax and enjoy signature dishes from Randall & Aubin, the Galvin brothers, and Sam’s of Brighton. The Foodies Festival will also be at Harrogate and Oxford this month.
The Great British Beer Festival, London – 11-15th August
Now in its 38th year, the UK’s biggest beer festival will be showcasing over 900 real ales, ciders, perries and international beers at Olympia this month. In between pints, visitors can look forward to tutored tastings, live music, pub quizzes, and bar snacks like pies, pickled eggs and proper Cornish pasties.
Nottingham Food & Drink Festival – 15-16th August
Wollaton Park will host a market of local and international producers, plus a Real Ale Marquee and a Food Theatre with demos from Sat Bains, Lisa Faulkner and Great British Bake Off winner John Waite. If you’re feeling brave, head to the Piazza and take part in a Bushtucker Challenge!
BBC Good Food Festival, Hampton Court – 29-31st August
At the end of the month, the grounds of Hampton Court Palace will be full of artisan producers, live music, kids’ activities, and celeb chefs. Dine in style at the Bingham’s pop-up restaurant or swing by the Summer Kitchen Theatre to see Paul Hollywood and Michel Roux Jr in action.
The Big Feastival, Cotswolds – 28-30th August
Jamie Oliver and Alex James host a weekend of music, food and fun for the whole family at Alex’s Cotswolds farm. Enjoy a cookery class, take a spin around the funfair, tuck into street food or watch demos from top chefs like Raymond Blanc, Mark Hix and Nathan Outlaw. Kids will love the Little Dudes’ Den, while health conscious foodies can check out the new Healthy Living Zone.
There’s lots more going on this month, so visit Food Festival Finder to find events near you.
