Spring 2017 UK food and drink festivals and events
Take a look at our pick of spring food and drink events not to miss around the UK.
The long, cold nights of winter are getting shorter and warmer as we make our way into spring! And what better way to enjoy your weekend than with food and drink festivals? There's a whole host to enjoy around the UK.
All details listed below are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Events may be more expensive if you pay on the door. Please feel free to recommend other events in the comments section below, but no trade events please.
Some outdoor festivals may be called off in poor weather, so you'd be wise to check they are going ahead before travelling.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
What: Five magical days with over 350 events dedicated to some of the world's finest whiskies. It's themed on whisky, food, music and the River Spey itself. Whisky lovers old and new will be welcomed from across the world, to explore the traditions behind Speyside Single Malt Whiskies.
When: 27 April-1 May
Where: Various locations across Speyside.
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on the event.
More info: You will find all the information you need right here, including ticket availability for each event www.spiritofspeyside.com
Whittingham Beer and Sausage Festival
What: This year, there'll be over 80 different real ales and ciders to choose from, with 10 unusual varieties for you to try. And not only that, there'll be a selection of 10 varieties of locally-produced gourmet sausages, from Goosnargh Duck to Black Pudding and Chicken as well as traditional Old English Pork. Every sausage you eat, and pint you drink, will raise money for charity too. There will also five bands playing live music to the masses throughout the festival.
When: 28-30 April
Where: Whittingham Club, Old Whittingham Hospital Grounds, Whittingham, Preston PR3 2JE
Cost: £5 entry on the door which includes a commemorative glass, which allows you entry back into the festival on any of the days as well as the printed programme of beers and food. So look after yours...
More info: www.whittinghamclub.com/beerfest
Artisan Cheese Fair
What: Cheese lovers, this one is for you! It's the UK's largest cheese fair, with around 70 artisan cheesemakers and 300 cheeses from Britain and Ireland. There'll be flavours you've never tried and rare varieties you've been searching for! There will be a host of talks including "Cooking with Cheese" and "How to Make Your Own Cheese" along with the Melstrum Ukelele Band and some Morris dancing for entertainment.
When: 29-30 April
Where: Cattle Market, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 1JY
Cost: Entry is £5 on the day and children under 16 go free. Or you can buy an advanced ticket for £4 here.
More info and tickets: www.artisancheesefair.co.uk
Inns Market
What: The first Saturday of every month you're invited to Inns Market, which boasts a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with 20+ food producers and is guaranteed to start your weekend off with a bang. Featuring some of the best local, seasonal and artisan food producers, a monthly trip to Inns Market is a must for any foodie in Northern Ireland.
When: 6 May (and every other first Saturday of the month)
Where: Saintfield Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 7HN
Cost: Free
More info: www.nigoodfood.com/events
Althorp Food and Drink Festival
What: A delicious two-day food and drink extravaganza which celebrates all the best local producers and suppliers. The festival boasts something for everyone to taste, see and experience. There will be talks, BBQ Masterclasses, tasting, demonstrations, food and drink pairings, cookery challenges and live music to suit every taste. Experts at the festival will include: Garrett Oliver, Chief Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery; Carmela Sereno Hayes, specialist pasta maker and founder of Carmela’s Kitchen; actress, cook and author of Milly’s Real Food, Nicola Millbank; and Head Chef of BAFTA, Anton Manganaro.
When: 6-7 May
Where: Althorp Estate, Northamptonshire NN7 4HQ
Cost: Ticket prices start at £6.50 for adults, while children aged 12 and under are admitted for free. There is also a ticket option for anyone who'd like to visit the house.
More info and tickets: www.spencerofalthorp.com/festival/food-drink-festival
Loch Fyne Food Fair 2017
What: A feast of West Coast food, drink and entertainment for all ages, featuring Loch Fyne oysters and food from Argyll producers. There will be live music on both days and hands-on food and drink workshops for all ages. On the Saturday evening you could buy tickets for 'A Fling with Mister Singh' where the renowned Mister Singh's India, one of Glasgow's best loved restaurants will feature at Loch Fyn Oysters for an evening of Indian cuisine with a seafood twist for £25.
When: 13-14 May
Where: Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd, Cairndow, Argyll PA26 8BL
Cost: Admission is completely free
More info: To find out a little more about the festival, please go to the website www.lochfyne.com/news-events/events-and-festivals and for more information about 'A Fling with Mister Singh' contact info@lochfyne.com or call 01499 600264
St Ives Food and Drink Festival 2017
What: The St Ives Food and Drink Festival is now in its seventh year, and takes place on the iconic Porthminster Beach for two days. There'll be fun for all the family with a range of activities and entertainment including celebrity chef demonstrations and live music. From wine, cider and beer producers to chocolate and cheese makers and meat, curry, chutneys and bread produced in Cornwall, there's something for everyone at the festival's food producers market.
When: 13-14 May
Where: Porthminster Beach, Porthminster, St Ives TR26 2EB
Cost: Tickets are £5 (plus 75p booking fee) and can be bought online here.
More information and tickets: www.stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
Monmouthshire Food Festival
What: The Monmouthshire Food Festival is filled with a full programme of demonstrations, talks, tastings and lots of food and drink to try and buy. The Chef's Theatre features some of the best chefs from across Monmouthshire, while the Look and Learn Theatre will feature master classes, tutored tastings and demonstrations. But there's fun for the kids too at the Children's Quarter and of course there'll be lots of delicacies for you to buy at the Producers Market.
When: 20-21 May
Where: Caldicot Castle, Church Rd, Chepstow, Caldicot NP26 4HU
Cost: £5 entry, but children under 12 go free.
More info: www.monmouthshirefoodfestival.co.uk
Blenheim Palace Food Festival
What: This will be Blenheim Palace Food Festival's third year in action, and it promises to be even bigger and better. Last year is was named one of the world's top ten food festivals! There will be 140 stalls offering local produce and a wide range of food and drink you won't find in the supermarkets. You can enjoy talks and tastings from well-known TV chefs and Masterchef and Bake-Off contestants, as well as strolling musicians and children's storytellers.
When: 27-29 May
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
Cost: Tickets prices are included in your general admission into Blenheim Palace. Adult tickets are £24.90, Concessions (Over-60s and students with valid ID) are £20.90, Child tickets (Age 5-16, but FREE for under 5s) are £13.90, and Family tickets (2 Adults and 2 Children) are £59.90.
More info: fantasticbritishfoodfestivals.com
Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival
What: The market town of Cowbridge at the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan founded the Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival in 2004, and is now a full weekend of events featuring 80 exhibition stands with over 15,000 visitors. From a Fringe Festival to a skills marquee, and musical entertainment to family activities, it will be a great Bank Holiday weekend for the whole family.
When: 28-29 May
Where: North Road, Cowbridge, Cardiff
Cost: £5 per day or £8 for the weekend. 12 years and under have free entry but will be issued tickets to access any discounts.
More info: cowbridgefoodanddrink.org
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