Your guide to the UK's top 5 food festivals

There’s no better way to discover independent producers, the latest food craze or tasty local delicacies than at a food festival. And luckily for you, 2023’s foodie calendar is jam packed - from celebrity-filled affairs in south London to independent producer heaven in South Wales, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Take a look at our guide to this year’s can’t miss food festivals.

1. Pub in the Park

The brainchild of Michelin starred Chef and Hand in Flowers owner Tom Kerridge, Pub in The Park is back with a bang this year.

Expect to see chef demos from legends like Ainsley Harriet, Marco Pierre White and Tom Kerridge himself, live music from Sam Ryder, Example and Sister Sledge, as well as hundreds of stalls highlighting the most exciting independent food producers around.

There are 10 dates and locations to choose from across London and the south of England, kicking off with Wimbledon in May and ending in September in St Albans - you can see a full list of dates and buy tickets here.

2. Abergavenny Food Festival

Now celebrating its 25th year, the Abergavenny food festival is truly in a league of its own. Over 150 independent vendors flock to the Welsh foodie haven each year, and with this year marking an amazing milestone, 2023’s edition is set to be one of the biggest yet. For just £13.50 a ticket (a steal compared to some of our other favourites) you get access to all food stalls, six indoor venues hosting live chef demos, tastings and lively food debates, as well as kid’s cookery classes and a bunch of family-friendly entertainers.

This year also sees the return by popular demand of the Saturday night market (think fresh street food, locally brewed beers on tap, and live acoustic music), and an extra special Party at the Castle where you’ll find four incredible live acts, as well as more tasty treats and a fireworks extravaganza.

3. Seafest: The Dorset Seafood Festival

An absolute must for seafood lovers, Seafest 2023 promises to be the biggest celebration of British fish and seafood in the UK. As well as sampling fresh dishes prepared by talented local chefs (paired with a fantastic selection of British wines), you’ll also have the chance to to learn a little more about sustainable fishing practices and innovations taking place in the seafood industry.

This year’s festival will take place from the 9th - 10th September at the historic Weymouth Peninsula - you can find out more and buy tickets here.

4. Smoke & Fire

The name of this festival says it all. Running across two locations in August (Ascot Racecourse & Maldon Promenade Park in Essex), Smoke & Fire is an unrepentant celebration of BBQ, smoked meats and outdoor cooking.

This year you’ll find dozens of independent street food vendors, BBQ pitmasters, and some of the best meat producers in the country - all while tasting some truly incredible dishes.

And if that’s not enough, at the Maldon event you’ll be able to witness BBQ’s elite chefs in action at the 5th Annual British Open BBQ Championships, or prove your foodie credentials at one of their extreme eating contests. Early bird tickets are selling out fast!

5. Hereford Indie Food Festival

Last but by no means least, the Hereford Indie Food festival is one of the most exciting choices this year for lovers of truly independent makers and producers. Local and independent are the bywords of this festival, where you’ll find a maker’s market filled with everything from artisan British charcuterie to handcrafted homewares. You’ll be able to sample locally made specialist streetfood and craft beers, or take home some truly delicious local produce - all while listening to an exciting lineup of DJs and local bands.

This year’s festival will take place across the August Bank Holiday weekend, and tickets are expected to sell out fast!

So there you have it, some truly fantastic food festivals to enjoy this summer. But don’t worry if you can’t make it - we’re working hard to launch Farmfetch in summer 2023, bringing together some of the finest producers from around the UK for you to sample at home. If you want to find out more or even be part of the journey, check out our Kickstarter page!