The best autumn food festivals in Britain
Celebrate harvest-time with these delicious days out
In my village in Kent, the farmers are currently hurtling past on their tractors, bringing in the harvest and transporting bales of straw from field to farm, for the winter. So as the summer nights draw in, it’s time to visit the last of the nation’s food festivals, taking place through autumn. Here’s my pick of the best:
Foodies Festival, Norwich, Sep 6-8, foodiesfestival.com
Foodies Festivals have been taking place all over the UK this summer and they finish in Norwich, this weekend. Watch top chefs, enjoy food tastings and live music from Symphonic Ibiza, Sister Sledge and Scouting For Girls.
The Great British Food Festival, South Wales and Cheshire, Sep 7-8 and 21-22, greatbritishfoodfestival.com
Another popular festival circuit, The Great British Food Festival, has had events running through the summer, culminating in Margam Park, South Wales, September 7-8 and Arley Hall, Cheshire, September 21-22. Expect demos, talks, workshops, live music and stalls.
Pub in the Park, St Albans, Herts, Sep 6-8, pubintheparkuk.com
Founded by chef Tom Kerridge, Pub in the Park has also been all over the UK this summer and ends in St Albans this weekend. Expect the likes of Olly Murs, Paloma Faith and Tinie Tempah, alongside world-class chefs, restaurants and local produce.
Taste of Scilly Festival, Isles of Scilly, Sep 12-22, visitislesofscilly.com
I’ve always wanted to visit the Isles of Scilly and their annual food festival seems like a good reason. It is held over five islands and celebrates the best local food and drink, from fish, to vineyards and farms.
Ludlow Food Festival, Shropshire, Sep 13-15, ludlowfoodfestival.co.uk
In its 30th year, Ludlow’s food festival is a popular event, with around 100 local exhibitors, demonstrations, workshops, tastings and stalls.
Abergavenny Food Festival, Monmouthshire, Sep 21-22, abergavennyfoodfestival.com
Another extremely-popular food festival, is in Abergavenny, Wales, with demonstrations and talks, entertainment, produce and exhibitors.
Festival of Food and Drink, Notts, Sep 21-22, festivaloffoodanddrink.com
With talks from the likes of Rosemary Shrager to Phil Vickery, the Festival of Food and Drink has demos, talks, live music and food and wine tastings.
Broadstairs Food Festival, Kent, Sep 27-29, broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk
I love Broadstairs, in Kent, with its pretty beaches and great cafes and restaurants. Its food festival spans around the town, with talks and demonstrations, dinners and afternoon teas and lots of stalls.
Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, Suffolk, Sep 28-29, aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk
Another lovely seaside town, Aldeburgh is celebrating Suffolk’s producers, with talks and demonstrations, kids’ classes, food stalls and entertainment.
East Midlands Food Festival, Leics, Oct 5-6, meltonfestivals.co.uk
Now in its 20th year, the East Midlands Food Festival is famous for its local producers of pies, cheese, charcuterie and chocolate and is a popular regional festival. It’s followed by ChocFest in November.
Dartmouth Food Festival, Devon, Oct 25-27, dartmouthfoodfestival.com
Also in its 20th year is the Dartmouth Food Festival, which hosts workshops, classes, tasting events, wine seminars and stalls.