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2 min read
Spice up your 2022 summer plans with a trip (or five) to some of the UK’s best food festivals and events.
With the long, sunny days of summer approaching, now’s the perfect time to start putting some dates in the diary – and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a trip to one of the UK’s brilliant food festivals?
Living in the UK means we’ve got access to a whole range of flavours and cuisines right at our fingertips – whether that’s the English classics such as seafood or homegrown veg or international treats from gyoza to paella – and a trip to a food festival is the best way to indulge in your favourites and discover new dishes you didn’t even know you’d been missing.
Keep reading to check out our pick of the best food festivals and events taking place across the UK in 2022.
South West
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Falmouth, 13-16 October
Held every October to mark the start of the oyster dredging season, the Falmouth Oyster Festival boasts four days of feasting, cooking demos, live music, food and craft stalls.
And it’s not oyster exclusive – you can enjoy a whole host of Cornish food produce, including locally-produced beers and ales alongside freshly-caught seafood.
Exeter Food and Drink Trail, All Year Round
Exeter’s Food and Drink Trail, launched in 2018, gives foodies a map of all the best restaurants, shops and experiences to explore around the city.
With a load of experiences to explore, Exeter should definitely be on your summer itinerary — and when you’re done taking in everything the city has to offer, why not take a trip down to the River Exe Cafe, a floating restaurant in the middle of the River Exe Estuary.
South East
Blenheim Palace Food Festival, Woodstock, 2-5 June
It would be hard to find a more magical setting for a food festival than Blenheim Palace. The famous estate near Oxford is the ideal spot to indulge in food from some of the country’s best chefs. You can also book a masterclass with celebrity chefs such as Gennaro Contaldo or Bake Off’s Karen Wright at this year’s three-day Blenheim Palace Food Festival.
The Big Feastival, The Cotswolds, 26-28 August
If you’re looking for the family-friendly event of the summer, The Big Feastival is probably your best pick.
Hosted on the farm of Blur bassist Alex James, there’s plenty to do: think everything from live music acts (including Anne-Marie, the Sugababes and Stereophonics) to chef demonstrations and child-friendly activities.
In terms of the food, there are plenty of stages, cooking classes and dining experiences to enjoy.
London
Meatopia, Tobacco Dock, 2-4 September
Founded in the US and brought to the UK by a group of passionate food enthusiasts, Meatopia is a festival dedicated to celebrating fire, music, food and drink.
Each year, the festival brings together 60 live-fire chefs to cook an exclusive dish – each of which is painstakingly put together over the course of a year.
With dishes incorporating a range of sustainably-sourced meat, fish and veg, there’s plenty to try.
Taste of London, Regent’s Park, 15-19 June
As the biggest and longest-running food festival in the city, Taste Of London is definitely worth a visit. Not only will you get to satisfy your taste buds with food from dozens of famous restaurants, this festival will keep you entertained all day long, thanks to foodie-related events such as drinks tastings, cooking classes, VIP lounges and much more.
Wales
Abergavenny Food Festival, Abergavenny, 17-18 September
Every year, thousands of people flock to the small Welsh town of Abergavenny to sample the delights of the famous Abergavenny Food Festival.
Spread across six gorgeous venues, this food festival is filled with dishes to try and things to do. Alongside some of the great British produce on offer, you can also attend cookery classes to learn how to cook the dishes you’ve tried at home, or attend a masterclass with world-famous chefs – previous guests include Jamie Oliver and Monica Galetti.
The North
Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival, Manchester, 20-21 August
At the Heaton Park Food Festival in Manchester, you’ll find a massive selection of food from all over the world and local chefs alike. Whether you fancy a classic British burger or you want to try something from a little further afield, Heaton Park will have you covered.
Plus, with live performances, comedy, music and children’s performers, the whole family will stay entertained in between your meals.
Kantina, Manchester, 10-12 June
Fondly known as the Food and Drink Weekender, Kantina in Manchester is a must-try food festival. With Michelin Star chefs and local restaurants joining forces, you’re sure to remember the food you try at this festival.
Devafest, Chester, 12-14 August
Devafest in Cheshire offers everything from music to food and drink. For foodies, the festival offers a Prosecco festival, craft beer, world street food and desserts, so it’s safe to say you’ll be able to find whatever your heart — or stomach — desires.
The festival also features music acts by the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls, along with DJ-led dance parties.
Scotland
Stranraer Oyster Festival, Stranraer, 2-4 September
Back for yet another brilliant year, Stranraer Oyster Festival is a celebration held to mark the start of the native oyster harvesting season, and gives locals and visitors alike the chance to experience some of Scotland’s finest produce.
With the chance to taste oysters from one of the last wild, native oyster beds in Scotland, this is a great, authentic experience for any seafood lover.
Edinburgh Food Festival, July
The Edinburgh Food Festival rolls into the Scottish city for every year bringing with it plenty of delicious street food and drinks available in one of the city’s beautiful parks.
Get ready to browse the various stalls and taste some amazing dishes during your stay.
Image: Getty
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