A guide to the top food festivals UK

Muddy wellies and warm pints not your thing? If you’re into gastronomy more than Glastonbury, then you’re in luck – the UK is home to some of the best food festivals in the world. And the best bit is, some of them are completely free to enter! So, feast your eyes on our student-approved guide to the top UK food festivals - let’s dig in…

Taste of London Food Festival

Every summer, Taste of London takes over Regent’s Park for five days of feasting and drinking. Featuring the hottest London restaurants, chefs, and the city’s newest dining concepts - the event welcomes over 55,000 ravenous foodies each year.

As well as the chance to sample the finest food, there’s an artisan producer market, champagne garden, beer and cider trail, cocktail bars, cooking classes, and live entertainment. It’s safe to say you won’t leave bored or hungry!

Pub in the Park, London

Taking place at Chiswick House & Gardens in West London, Pub in the Park has been dubbed the biggest food and music festival in the UK.

The brainchild of Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge, Pub in the Park was created to celebrate everything there is to enjoy about the much-loved British pub.

You’ll find delicious grub from some of the UK’s best pubs and restaurants, a ton of bars serving up cocktails, wines and beers, and award-winning music acts on the main stage.

BBQ Fest, Birmingham

Carnivores, prepare your taste buds because you’re in for a treat! Located at The Bond in the Birmingham’s trendy Digbeth area, BBQ Fest is a celebration of all things meat.

Featuring the likes of Street Souvlaki, Broke ‘N’ Bones, Buddha Belly, Fireway Grill, and The Smokehouse UK, the festival brings together some of the top names in the BBQ scene.

But it’s not all about BBQ. There’s also live music, DJs, entertainment and a selection of beer, cocktails, cider and soft drinks on offer.

Cardiff Food & Drink Festival

Cardiff Food & Drink Festival is one of the most popular events in the city’s summer calendar and takes place at Roald Dahl Plass in the city’s bustling Cardiff Bay.

Sample freshly baked goodies, sweet treats, ice creams, cheese, meat, and drinks at the Producers Fair. Or, visit the Street Food Piazza where you’ll find delicious pop-ups serving up everything from curries, kebabs and paella to poutine, tacos, and tapas.

If you’re still hungry, head over to the Farmers Market area to pick up some top-quality, locally produced goodies to take home with you.

Edinburgh Food Festival

Taking place at George Square Gardens, Edinburgh Food Festival brings together some of Scotland’s best food and drink vendors.

The ten-day (yes, ten whole days!) festival is free to enter and features a full menu of activities, including street food in the Global Kitchen, tasty drinks, and a daily Producers Market with a changing line-up of artisan produce.

There’s also the Treehouse Kitchen with a daily programme of events, including workshops, talks, chef demos, and masterclasses.

Newcastle Food & Drink Festival

Featuring some of the best street food traders in the UK, the Newcastle Food & Drink Festival is a must-visit for street food lovers. Whether you’re into Spanish, Greek, Ethiopian, Canadian, Italian or Portuguese cuisine, you’ll find it all on offer at the Newcastle Food & Drink Festival.

There are also eight bars at the festival, a Live Cookery Theatre, Artisan Produce Markets, and live music from over 26 jazz, soul, pop, and indie performers.

Southport Food & Drink Festival

Known as the ‘foodies paradise’, the free-to-enter Southport Food & Drink Festival has something to suit every taste bud. From sweet treats like crepes and churros to savoury delights like burgers, hot wings, and spiral potatoes - you’re guaranteed to stumble on a street food stall that satisfies your cravings.

At the food festival you’ll also be able to sample a selection of locally produced treats and nibbles, grab a drink in one of the 16 (yes, 16!) bars, or listen to music in the entertainment area, which hosts local bands and musicians throughout the three days.

So, there you have it! That’s our round up of some of the top food and drink festivals in the UK. For more guides like this one, head over to our Student Spill blog where you’ll find inspiration, tips and advice on all the best things to see and do while you’re studying.