Festivals Full of Food

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As a festival lover I've mentioned before that it's not all mud, tents and music. There are all sorts of festivals and one of the best must surely be a festival of Food!

sausage rolls at a festival market

Even if you are dieting there is joy to be found at a food festival, outside, breathing in the glorious British weather (hopefully sunny and warm, though one never know!) and gazing at the glory of fine local and not so local foods. The chance to discover new goodies, to buy for an impromptu picnic, or something more special. And then there are recipe ideas and demonstrations, competitions and all manner of cakes!


cake stall macarons

Here are a some Fantastic British Food Festivals from around the country happening over the summer and autumn, pop them in your diary now! One is even free to attend (Petworth) and NT members can access the festivals on National Trust properties for free too - but check links for ticket prices  :

Wakehurst Wild Food Festival, West Sussex – 2nd-3rd July
  • Find out about growing wild flowers at the Grow Wild Potting Shed
  • ​CBBC's Stefan Gates performs his explosive show Gastronaut Live at 2pm each day
  • ​ Visit Jethro Carr's Kitchen Academy workshop to make nettle pesto or mealworm cookies, or jump on pedal powered bikes to blend a wild smoothie
  • ​Taste edible bugs with The Edible Bug Farm
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
  • Natural play areas with willow tunnels, talking totems, climbing, labyrinth, balance beams & more
Petworth Fringe Food Festival, West Sussex – 9th-10th July
  • Workshops, demos and activities in Leconfield Hall
  • Woodland Folk craft workshops: create wands & swords and dress up in forest folk costumes
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games

garden games outside connect four


Bodiam Castle Food Festival, East Sussex – 16th-17th July
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
  • Towers and ramparts to climb and explore
  • Children’s trails and National Trust ’50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ activities
  • Children's rides
Wimbledon Park Food Festival, London – 27th-29th August
  • CBeebies presenter Katy Ashworth will perform her fun-packed live show with songs and stories
  • Cupcake decorating
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
  • Paddling pool with jets and fountain and crazy golf available in the park
  • Free entry for children on Bank Holiday Monday with a Live at Wimbledon Park ticket
Leeds Castle Food Festival, Kent – 9th-11th September
  • Children’s rides
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
  • Squire’s Court for under 6s and Knight’s Realm playground for 7+
  • Maze and grotto
Sandown Park, Surrey – 17th-18th September
  • Great British Bake Off Winner 2015 Nadiya Hussain will be baking in the Demonstration Theatre
  • CBeebies presenter Katy Ashworth will perform her fun-packed live show
  • Woodland Folk craft workshops: create wands & swords and dress up in forest folk costumes
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games

childs carousel ride roundabout
Bath Food Festival, Somerset – 24th-25th September
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
Polesden Lacey Food Festival, Surrey – 30th September-2nd October
  • Children's rides
  • Squirrel's Corner woodland play area
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
  • ​Free binocular hire for species spotting in the grounds, garden trails, NT '50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4' activities

boys eating pizza outside

RHS Hyde Hall Food Festival, Essex – 7th-9th October          
  • Face painting, roaming storyteller, garden games
 So there you go - lots of ideas to get you out and about! Will you be going to any? Let me know over on Facebook or my twitter

happy child at a festival

 Photo credits : Andy Newbold Photography
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