Must-visit British food festivals

Vegfest
Vegfest

Britain’s food festivals have gone from strength to strength in recent years. Flavourful, delicious ingredients and a diverse array of exhibitors make these festivals a treat for foodies

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival

14-16 September sees the 11th edition of one of the most raved-about food festivals in the UK. Its location is also beautiful, as everything happens on the banks of the River Alde, adding a ­­festival-like vibe to the event, with over 100 stalls selling flavourful food – most of it local.

In addition, you can expect cookery demo stages, hosted by local and visiting chefs, together with exciting fringe festivities such as workshops and meet-the-producer events.

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Credit: Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

Vegfest

Vegans and vegetarians will be pleased to know that there is an event for them, too – namely Vegfest, which takes place in London in late October. Acknowledged as one of the biggest and most prestigious festivals for vegans, the event has reached London, Brighton and Glasgow.

Far from a typical food festival, Vegfest also focuses on educating the public on health, nutrition and lifestyle choices, and there are spaces for yoga, fitness and wellness as well as a chillout music zone.

Vegfest
Vegfest

Taste of London

Taste of London in mid-November is a deliciously diverse event. Activities range from food pairing and cocktail shaking to bao bun steaming. It takes place at Tobacco Dock, and music and tasting opportunities galore make this a fun day out.

Big Feastival
Credit: Big Feastival

Big Feastival

The Big Feastival at the end of August is the creation of Blur bassist Alex James, and is held on his farm near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. Take your pick from the gourmet offerings, from Breddos Tacos’ Baja fish to Oli Bab’s halloumi fries. Head to the NEFF Big Kitchen to learn from award-winning chefs, treat yourself to a tasting at the cheese hub, or have fun on the vintage funfair.

Meatopia
Credit: Meatopia

Meatopia

This food festival, which takes place in early September, was established by the late, renowned food writer Josh Ozersky, in New York, and was brought to London a few years ago. As the name implies, Meatopia is a paradise for meat lovers; the event’s motto is eat, meat, sleep, repeat.

Goodies range from succulent, mouth-watering steaks to juicy burgers, and much more. Live music contributes to the festival-like atmosphere.

Words by Andrea Boffo. Andrea is CEO of PlusVoucherCode, a website that provides discount codes to save money on online purchases