Part of my work is visiting food shows and festivals, and I would like to share my experiences of the very best ones here. I have listed A-Z and included the most important details and some of my highlights. Do get in touch if you would like to know more or want to suggest somewhere I should visit…
Where? NEC, Birmingham
When? 12th – 16th June 2013
Why go there? Co-located with BBC Gardeners World Live, its a great mix of seasonal, speciality food, celebrity chefs (Hairy Bikers recently confirmed!), big brands and beautiful show gardens. Check out my highlights from the 2011 show here.
Where? SECC, Glasgow
When? 18th – 20th October 2013
Where? Olympia, London
When? 15th – 17th November 2013
Where? NEC, Birmingham
When? 27th November – 1st December 2013
Where? London Bridge/ Borough, London. Nearest station = London Bridge.
When? Every Thursday – Saturday with Friday having the best number of producers and being less busy. Check the website for regular updates, or follow them on twitter @boroughmarket
Why go there? Any foodie should know about the brilliance of Borough Market, but it has recently gone through some changes and has some great new producers including Cannon and Cannon (British Charcuterie) Juma (amazing Swiss cheeses) and old favourites like De Calabria (highest quality Italian salami, cheeses, wild herbs etc) and Flavours of Spain (outstanding range of Spanish produce).
Last Visit – 10th February 2012 (unfortunately it was flipping freezing so I didn’t manage to get my camera out for pictures)
Where? Hackney, London. Nearest station = Bethnal Green (tube), London Fields (rail).
When? Saturdays, 9am – 5pm
Why go there? A great mix of stalls, cool shops, nice cafes and restaurants and a really great atmosphere. I visited last year and blogged my highlights here.
Last Visit – March 2o11
Where? Ludlow, Shropshire
When? 13th – 15th September 2013
Why go there? It is probably the biggest and best regional food festival there is – full of amazing local produce, great entertainment and in one of the prettiest market towns there is. I try to go every year, take a look at my blogs from the last festival…
Ludlow Food Festival 2011 and Around the Town during Ludlow Food Festival
Where? Southbank, London. Nearest station = Waterloo.
When? Every Friday – Sun with themed events popping up every now and then. Check their website for regular updates, or follow them on twitter @realfoodfest
Why go there? Great selection of street food including one of the best burgers ever from Jacobs Ladder, great small producers and even food busking!
Last Visit – 10th February 2012
Hi, would love you to attend our chilli festival on September 10th this year. Its a all day and night thing although the day time is more chilli and food related. The evening is more about drink!
Check out our website for more info.
Cheers,
Alex.
Ooooh I think that clashes with the Ludlow Food Festival, which I usually work the weekend at… thats a shame. May have to take a trip and visit the farm though, looks great!
Hi Katy
Re Creake Abbey Farmers’ Market, North Creake, Norfolk
Just wanted to say how pleased we were that you attended the market this month and enjoyed yourself. It is great to get feedback and I know our producers were thrilled you wrote what you did on your blog.
The next market is on 2nd April and we are launching our Local Food Champion Challenge…getting professional young chefs (below head chef level) to come and cook in a fab new mobile cookery theatre on site…they get £40 to spend in the market and have 1 hour to create 2 dishes that demonstrate an understanding of local food, seasonality and taste.
We would love you to be a guest judge at any of the markets from now till August when we are running this challenge…all part of the forthcoming North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival on 3rd and 4th September 2011 (at nearby Holkham Hall).
Let me know if you are interested.
Best wishes
Diana
Diana Brocklebank Scott
Creake Abbey Farmers’ Market
http://www.creakeabbey.co.uk
Hi Katy,
A special event for ayone`s diary on 16th and 17th April
Ramsbottom , Chocolate Feastival
Nr Bury, Lancashire
It is all chocolate – 28000 people arrended last year.
Hi Katy
Have you ever visited the Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival in Pembrokeshire? Really wacky and full of foraged and free food goodies see http://www.reallywildfestival.co.uk