Sanjana Idnani, Deputy Editor of The Croft
The Croft Magazine // Lockdown restrictions are easing, the weather is picking up, and England made it to the final of the Euros. Whilst football did not come home this year, luckily some of the most wonderful street food is. Here’s a round-up of the food festivals in the UK that you cannot miss!
1. Foodies Festival (10, 11, 12 September)
Close to home is the Foodies Festival that is taking place at the Durdham Downs this September. The festival is hosting top chefs such as MasterChef Champion 2021, Tom Rhodes. These chefs will be sharing top tips and signature summer recipes with attendees! The festival has a great line-up of exhibitors ranging from makers of Craft fudge to Guyanese hot sauce. If your family is visiting from home, this festival has perfectly family friendly elements including a Kids Cookery Theatre and Crafts Zone to keep any younger siblings occupied. You can also enjoy live music at this festival with the terrific headliner, Scouting for Girls. If you can’t make the festival in Bristol, other locations include Cheshire, Winchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Syon Park, Oxford, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Chelmsford.
2. The Big Feastival (27-29 August)
I’m staying in the South-West of England for my next pick which is The Big Feastival. This festival can be found at Alex James’ Farm in the Cotswolds. This festival is filled with a variety of dining types from street food to decadent dining. A visit to this festival can also double up as a family camping trip. But don’t worry if you aren’t the biggest camping fan but still want somewhere to stay for the duration of the festival because the farm offers boutique glamping options too. Just like all good festivals, you can enjoy music while you dine with the line-up including Sigala and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.
3. Valley Fest (2-4 August)
Back in Bristol, this is THE lakeside and food festival of the season. Valley Fest is a food festival that is all about celebrating local produce. The festival, set up by Luke Hasell, has a family connection as it was set up in memory of his parents who unfortunately died young but knew a thing or two about enjoying life, food, and music. As well as feasts and family BBQs, the festival hosts poetry, story, and comedy gigs; offers organic facial and yoga sessions; creative workshops; and interesting talks. You are also welcome to camp at this festival, making it a nice option for a weekend away
4. Travelling Feast (6-20 August)
This last festival is a debut one by Cornwall-based chef and Restauranter, Paul Ainsworth, and is touring beautiful locations around Cornwall from 6-20 August. Scrumptious food will be served from the travelling food trucks owned by very well-known chefs including James Martin and Rick Stein. Each destination will have its own combination of entertainment meaning every day will be different if you want to follow this festival on its travels – an exciting guest is Sister Sledge who will be performing on 16thAugust! Comedy and family entertainment will also be readily available at this exciting new festival.
Which food festival will you find yourself at this year?
Featured Image: Maddy Clegg
