From city parks to coastal beaches, festival fields to indoor arenas, the festival lineup in 2025 is packed with tasty treats, live music and plenty of fresh flavours. With dozens of festivals happening across Britain, from the heart of Edinburgh to the Isle of Wight, here is a round-up of the top food events not to be missed.
Broadstairs Food Festival, Kent, England
18-20 April 2025 (Easter Food Festival) and 3-5 October 2025 (Autumn Foof Festival)
Get a taste of Kent’s finest produce at the Broadstairs Food Festival, set against the backdrop of this historic seaside town. Happening twice a year, local producers come out in force, showcasing everything from whisky and wine to cakes and hog roast, all celebrating the rich bounty of the Garden of England. Alongside a range of food stalls, visitors can also enjoy tastings and numerous cooking demonstrations. Entry to the festival is free, but some events are ticketed and must be booked in advance.
St Ives Food and Drink festival, Cornwall, England
May 2025
The St Ives Food and Drink Festival takes place every year in this picturesque Cornish coastal town. Taking place on Porthminster Beach, this festival brings together local chefs, artisans and producers to display the best of the region’s food and drink scene, offering everything from fresh seafood to artisanal baked goods. Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and interactive workshops, all while soaking up the coastal scenery.
Porthleven Festival, Cornwall, England
2-4 May 2025
The Porthleven Food Festival celebrates Cornish flavours in the scenic harbour town of Porthleven. Over a weekend packed with culinary delights and live entertainment, visitors can find top local chefs and artisan producers offering everything from fresh seafood to indulgent desserts. With live cooking demos, hands-on workshops, and plenty of street food options, there is something for every foodie. Wander along the picturesque harbour while sampling the best of the region’s produce.
Pub in the Park, Marlow, southeast England
15-18 May 2025
Pub in the Park festival is a vibrant showcase of the UK’s best food, drink and live music, all set in the picturesque riverside town of Marlow, a one-hour drive from London. This carefully curated festival brings together top chefs and local pubs, offering street food, craft beers, and an impressive lineup of live performances. Stroll through the charming festival grounds, sample new dishes, and soak up the lively atmosphere. This event has lots to offer for food enthusiast as well as visitors just looking for a fun day out.
Foodies Festival, England
3-5 May, Brighton, Sussex; 9-11 May, Cardiff, Wales; 24-26 May, Syon Park, London; 30 May-1 June, St Albans, Hertfordshire; 6-8 June, Guildford, Surrey; 20-22 June, Chelmsford, Essex; 11-13 July, Tatton Park, Cheshire; 18-20 July, Winchester, Hampshire; 1-3 August, Edinburgh, Scotland; 9-10 August, Glasgow, Scotland; 23-25 August, Oxford, Oxfordshire; 29-31 August, Bath, Somerset.
Foodies Festival brings together the best of Britain’s food scene, with events hosted across 12 different cities, from Brighton to Bath. Each festival features a diverse lineup of street food stalls, artisanal producers, and renowned chefs showing off their culinary creations. Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, indulge in tastings, and participate in interactive workshops.
Malton Food Lovers Festival, North Yorkshire, England
24-26 May 2025
This annual event in North Yorkshire, celebrates the region’s finest food and drink. Known as ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’, Malton hosts a vibrant two-day festival filled with food stalls, live cooking demonstrations and tastings from top local producers. Visitors can enjoy everything from artisanal cheeses and craft beers to gourmet street food, while live music and family-friendly entertainment add to the festive atmosphere.
Taste of London, England
June 2025
Taste of London 2025 brings together the capital’s top chefs, restaurants and foodies for a culinary celebration. Taking place in Regent’s Park, the event’s live cooking demonstrations and interactive food experiences are a staple of the food festival calendar, having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Whether visitors are sampling signature bites from London’s hottest restaurants, getting hands-on with cooking workshops or enjoying live entertainment, Taste of London is a gourmet adventure not to be missed.
Lymington Food Festivals, New Forest, England
11-13 July 2025
Lymington Seafood Festival is a coastal feast that brings the flavours of the sea to life in the heart of the New Forest. This foodie fest showcases the best local seafood, from freshly shucked oysters to lobster rolls, alongside artisan food stalls, craft beers and local spirits. With live chef demos, live music and a stunning waterside setting, it is a vibrant event to indulge in coastal cuisine.
Rock Oyster Festival, Cornwall, England
24-27 July 2025
Get ready for a weekend of seafood, music and coastal vibes at the Rock Oyster Festival, set on the banks of the Camel Estuary in Cornwall. With oysters taking centre stage, this festival serves up a mix of fresh seafood, local produce and street food alongside a lineup of live music and DJs. Add in chef demos, yoga sessions and coastal adventures, and there is the ultimate summer escape for foodies and festival lovers.
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival, Cardiff, Wales
July 2025
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival takes over the city’s buzzing waterfront in summer with a diverse lineup of street food, artisan producers and local brews. From global bites to Welsh classics, this festival serves up flavours from all corners of the world, alongside live cooking demos and plenty of craft beer and cider to wash it down. With live music and a laid-back atmosphere, it is a popular summer hangout for food lovers and families.
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, England
16-17 August 2025
The Isle of Wight’s annual Garlic Festival is the place to head for all things garlic, a celebration of the root vegetable accompanied by a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Set in the scenic Isle of Wight countryside, the festival features an array of garlic-infused dishes, local produce and artisan goods. Expect live cooking demos from top chefs, plenty of tastings and a wide range of street food showcasing creative uses of the ingredient.
The Big Feastival, The Cotswolds, England
22-24 August 2025
The Big Feastival is the ultimate blend of food, music and family fun, set on Alex James’ picturesque Cotswolds farm. This lively festival brings together top chefs, street food vendors and artisan producers alongside a stellar lineup of live music and entertainment. Add in a packed program of kid-friendly activities and there is a fun weekend for all the family. There are a range of ticket options, including for camping, weekend access and for live-in vehicles.
Abergavenny Food Festival, Wales
20-21 September 2025
A highlight in the British food festival calendar, Abergavenny Food Festival is set in the heart of Wales’ picturesque market town. Known for its diverse range of local and international flavours, the festival features top chefs, artisan producers and lively street food stalls. With cooking demonstrations, talks, tastings, and workshops, there is plenty to inspire both food lovers and aspiring chefs. Whether visitors are indulging in local Welsh delicacies or discovering new global cuisines, Abergavenny Food Festival offers a vibrant atmosphere and a feast of flavours.
Meatopia, Wapping, England
28-31 August 2025
Over ten years old, Meatopia is held annually at Tobacco Dock in Wapping, London, where meat lovers gather to celebrate the art of grilling and the best in sustainable, ethically sourced meat. This festival features renowned chefs from around the world showcasing their signature dishes, alongside street food stalls, craft beer pairings, and live cooking demonstrations.
Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival, West Sussex, England
September 2025
Set in the charming surrounds of the West Sussex countryside, the annual Steyning and District Food Festival highlights the best of the area’s fresh ingredients and artisanal crafts. Beginning with the Steyning Farmer’s Market, the event offers a packed schedule of delights – from pintxos parties and brewery tours to food and drink trails and hands-on workshops.
Taste of Scilly, Scilly Isles
12-21 September 2025
Taste of Scilly Festival celebrates the islands’ unique culinary scene, highlighting the best local produce and seafood. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Scilly Isles, food lovers are invited to indulge in a range of events, from coastal foraging walks, morning sails and farm tours to tastings and workshops hosted by local chefs. Whether visitors are sampling fresh crab or trying their hand at crafting traditional pastries, the Taste of Scilly Festival promises a gastronomic adventure that highlights the flavours of this archipelago off the Cornish coast.
Brecon Beacons Food Festival, Wales
Autumn 2025
Nestled in the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, the Brecon Beacons Food Festival offers a vibrant mix of fresh produce and artisanal treats. Visitors can sample food and drink from local producers while taking in scenic views of the lush natural surroundings. Expect to find everything from truffles and fudge to preservatives on show, alongside exhibits from distilleries and brewers across South Wales.
Vegetarian and vegan festivals in Britain
Britain’s plant-based scene is thriving, with vegetarian and vegan festivals popping up all year round. From bustling vegan fairs to local markets and unique events, plenty to check out in 2025.
Scottish Vegan Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland
6 April 2025
Hosted at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on George Street, this is a key event in Scotland’s growing vegan scene, offering a diverse range of plant-based food, ethical products, and cruelty-free brands. The festival features over 50 stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and talks by leading vegan influencers and campaigners.
Vegan Campout, England
29 August 2025
Vegan Camp Out offers a unique blend of camping, entertainment and plant-based living. The festival features a diverse lineup of speakers, workshop and food vendors, as well as live music, yoga, meditation and face painting for the little ones. In 2025, the festival is moving from Bicester to a new countryside location, Bygrave Woods in Hertfordshire.
Portsmouth Vegan Festival, southwest England
20 September 2025
Boasting 60+ stalls packed with food and free samples, the Portsmouth Vegan Festival is a popular celebration of plant-based living. Visitors can enjoy tastings, informative talks and cooking demonstrations, hosted at the city’s Mountbatten Centre.
Britain’s drinks festivals
Britain’s drinks festivals promise to highlight the country’s rich heritage of craft beverages, from traditional ales and ciders to innovative spirits and wines.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Cairngorms, Scotland
30 April-5 May 2025
This annual gathering features 51 Speyside distilleries in the stunning surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park. Visitors can experience the art of whisky-making at the three-day Whisky School or support the Whisky Awards by helping to judge the ‘People’s Choice’ category.
Great British Beer Festival, Birmingham, England
5-9 August 2025
Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the Great British Beer Festival is a paradise for beer lovers, offering a massive selection of cask ales, craft beers, and international brews all under one roof. Held at the NEC in Birmingham in 2025, this ticketed event brings together beer enthusiasts and breweries from across the country for tastings, live entertainment and expert masterclasses. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, the festival offers visitors the chance to discover new favourites and celebrate the best of British brewing.
Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, Northern Ireland
October 2025
This annual festival takes place in the picturesque village of Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed working distillery. Visitors can immerse themselves in whiskey tastings, artisan food markets and a variety of salmon suppers, featuring everything from smoked delicacies to sizzling barbecues. Held in October, the festival also offers a wide range of fringe events, including live music and foraging walks.
