Top 2021 Food & Drink Festivals Book Now Wine News

With the relaxation of social distancing rules and large gatherings from June 21, depending on the situation with the Indian variant, our hopes have been renewed for a great British summer.

Since the reopening of outdoor hospitality on April 12, Britons have grown accustomed to the dangers of alfresco dining in a country not known for its reliable weather. Some respite was offered when indoor meals were allowed from May 17 for groups of 6.

Now, as summer approaches, we look forward to warmer months and lighter, longer days, just in time for the jubilant return of some of our top food festivals.

Delicious food from Michelin-starred chefs and a wide array of street food stalls, icy pints of beer and merry chants accompanied by live music can be found this summer at food festivals across the country.

After the continued restrictions of the past year, many festivals have gone virtual, all of the events below are in full swing with in-person events this summer. Favorites such as The Big Feastival, returning for its 10th year in 2021 at Alex James’s Cotswolds Farm, Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park and the Abergavenny Food Festival all plan to operate in person – though some will include precautions to additional security, such as restrictions on the number of visitors.

Joel Smith, vice president of arts and entertainment at IMG Events, the organizers of The Big Feastival, says, “We had an impressive number of ticket sales since the government announced. [about lockdown easing], which is great to see because it gave us a boost and made us realize that people always have an appetite for events and are desperate to go out. “

Here’s our pick of the best, where you can sample everything from super fresh Cornish seafood to juicy burgers and rich chocolate brownies, all made by some of the country’s most exciting culinary talents at major British beauty spots. .

Bigfoot Festival

Warwickshire, May 18-20

Bigfoot is a brand new festival held for the first time this year in the grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. It’s for anyone who enjoys great food, great music and, most importantly, great beer: expect a range of brilliant independent breweries such as Verdant, Northern Monk, and Wild Beer Co., which will serve up pints at enjoy alongside food from 10 Greeks. Street, barbecue expert Genevieve Taylor, the stars of vegan street food Club Mexicana and many more. When it comes to music, Primal Scream is set to make headlines, with sets from Fat White Family and DJs Maribou State and DJ Yoda.

Tickets from £ 120 for the weekend; bigfootfestival.co.uk

Great British Food Festival

Several locations, from May to October

The Great British Food Festival will appear everywhere, from Harewood House in Leeds to Hylands Park in Chelmsford. While organizers acknowledged that this year’s event could be a bit different, with lineups, hand sanitizer facilities, and more outdoor market-style vendors, the event is expected to be a another success. Try your luck at the Men v Food Challenge stage, or attend a masterclass from fabulous chefs and bakers like GBBO’s Karen Wright and Howard Middleton, as well as some of the best chefs from local restaurants and pubs.

£ 29 for a weekend ticket or £ 58 for a family weekend ticket; greatbritishfoodfestival.com

Taste of London

Regent’s Park, July 7-11 and July 14-18

One of London’s most beloved Royal Parks will once again welcome thousands of foodies keen to sample some of the best produce that the city’s chefs and restaurants have to offer. You can expect delicious food like Asma Khan, Chefs Table and Darjeelings Express, Napoli Gang, Jack Whitehall and Marcus Petty-Saphon’s Food Slut, which will take over from The Fire Pit on the first Friday.

£ 23 for an entry ticket only or £ 37 for the ‘tasting ticket’ which includes the entry and two signature dishes.

Pub in the park

Several locations, June to September

Imagined by chef Tom Kerridge, the festival travels through cities across the country this summer, including Bath, Warwick, London, St. Albans and Tunbridge Wells. Award-winning pubs and restaurants will offer £ 6 tasting dishes to tempt your taste buds, and there’s a kids’ area to keep the little ones entertained. Sample dishes from brilliant chefs such as Kerridge, as well as James Martin, Atul Kochhar, and Josh Eggleton, alongside music from Tom Walker and Rudimental.

Saturday afternoon (11.30am-4.30pm), adult tickets £ 37.28, or Saturday evening (6-10.30pm) £ 47.28; pubintheparkuk.com

Gourmet Festival

Several locations, July to September

Taking place in idyllic locations across the UK, from Tatton Park in Knutsford to Syon Park in London and Bristol’s The Downs, the Foodies Festival series offers a good option for the whole family. Famous chefs and bakers such as GBBO winner Candice Brown, Masterchef champions Irini Tzortzoglou and Kenny Tutt, and Birmingham Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell will be on hand to share their expertise.

Tickets £ 19 for one day or £ 29 for the whole weekend; foodiesfestival.com

The big party