Festival season has arrived, but food enthusiasts can skip the muddy mosh pits and trampled tents in favour of gourmet gatherings serving up Britain’s finest culinary experiences across the country.
From garlic-infused cocktails on the Isle of Wight to flame-grilled feasts in Berkshire, food festivals are drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to sample artisan produce, celebrity chef demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment. Industry figures suggest the UK food festival sector has grown by 30 per cent since 2019, with attendance at major events reaching record levels.
Jenna Stevens has selected five standout festivals that promise memorable experiences for food lovers, families and adventurous eaters alike. Here are the top picks for summer 2025.
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
The island’s biggest summer show returns for its 42nd year on 16-17 August, transforming Newchurch into a celebration of Britain’s most pungent bulb. What began in 1983 as a fundraiser to save the local primary school has evolved into a major attraction drawing 20,000 visitors annually.
Colin Boswell, owner of The Garlic Farm and festival organiser, credits the island’s unique conditions for producing exceptional garlic. “We have been blessed with a climate here which is particularly well suited for growing most types of garlic,” he explained, noting the area’s high light intensity and chalky soil.
Festival-goers can sample everything from traditional garlic bread to innovative black garlic Bloody Marys in the main marquee. Entertainment spans live music stages, falconry displays, BMX stunts and the quirky Lamb National sheep race.
Children can enjoy Camp Garlic’s activities including parachute games and Punch and Judy shows, whilst adults might witness the crowning of this year’s Garlic Queen—complete with a tiara fashioned from garlic bulbs.
GO: The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, August 16-17. Adult day ticket: £14.50. Children: £7.50. See garlicfestival.co.uk.
Smoke and Fire Festival
Billing itself as the UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festival, Smoke and Fire promises the ultimate grilling experience at two locations this summer. The event brings together international pitmasters, extreme eating contests and family entertainment.
The festival features the World Butcher Wars championship, where top butchers compete against the clock in high-energy challenges. New for 2025 is a partnership with Europe’s largest Taco & Tequila Festival, adding a Latin twist with dedicated zones for Mexican cuisine.
Entertainment includes performances by Britpop tribute bands Blurd and Shoasis, alongside chart-toppers Toploader and original act Dodgy. The festival’s Bark Park welcomes four-legged friends with assistance dog demonstrations from Canine Partners.
BBQ Alley showcases the latest grilling equipment, whilst the Fire Pit demo stage hosts masterclasses from renowned chefs. Adventurous eaters can test their mettle in hot wing eating contests and the fiery Hot Taco Challenge.
GO: Ascot, July 5-6; Maldon, August 16-17. Adults from £47.12. Kids £7.86. Under-fives go free. See smokeandfirefestival.com.
The Big Feastival
Alex James’ Cotswolds farm transforms into a foodie paradise for the August bank holiday weekend, combining gourmet cuisine with headline music acts and extensive family entertainment.
The festival, which originally launched in 2012 as a collaboration between the Blur bassist and Jamie Oliver, has grown into one of Britain’s premier food events. Though Oliver is no longer involved, the festival maintains its reputation for quality street food and celebrity chef demonstrations.
Previous years have featured appearances by culinary stars including Nadiya Hussain and Rachel Khoo. The 2025 lineup promises performances from The Wombats, Rizzle Kicks and Maximo Park on the main stage.
Families can camp on-site or opt for day passes, with activities ranging from circus skills workshops to cooking classes. The festival village offers artisan produce, craft demonstrations and dedicated children’s zones.
GO: Alex James’ Farm, Kingham, Cotswolds, August 22-24. Various ticket options available. See bigfeastival.com.
Edinburgh Foodies Festival
Scotland’s capital hosts this celebration of food, drink and music at the beginning of August, featuring performances by Symphonic Ibiza, The Wanted 2.0 and Scouting For Girls.
The La Española Chefs Theatre showcases MasterChef champions and Michelin-starred chefs preparing signature summer recipes. New additions for 2025 include hands-on Cook School sessions (£25 supplement) and a Silent Disco (£8 supplement).
Dragons’ Den stars Lumberjaxe will demonstrate BBQ techniques on the dedicated barbecue stage, whilst the Cake & Bake Theatre features Great British Bake Off contestants sharing decorating tips.
International street food vendors offer cuisines from around the globe, complemented by artisan producers and drinks tastings. Children can participate in the Prept Kids Cook School, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
GO: Edinburgh, August 1-3. Weekend tickets from £14 per day. See foodiesfestival.com.
Meatopia
London’s Tobacco Dock hosts this celebration of sustainable meat and open-flame cooking techniques from 28-31 August. The festival attracts international chefs pushing culinary boundaries with innovative meat-based dishes.
Dedicated to ethical meat practices, Meatopia features everything from slow-cooked ribs to experimental preparations that challenge conventional grilling methods. Past editions have welcomed over 15,000 visitors eager to explore nose-to-tail cooking.
The four-day event combines cooking demonstrations, tastings and discussions about sustainable farming practices. Craft beer pairings and live fire displays add to the carnivorous atmosphere.
Expert pitmasters share techniques for achieving perfect smoke rings and bark formation, whilst discussions address the future of meat production and consumption.
GO: Tobacco Dock, London, August 28-31. Tickets and pricing to be announced. See meatopia.co.uk.
Industry sources confirm that advance bookings for major food festivals are running 40 per cent ahead of last year, suggesting a bumper season for culinary events. VisitBritain reports that trying local food and drink is now the top reason cited for UK getaways.
Additional festivals worth considering include Abergavenny Food Festival (September 20-21), offering Welsh produce and chef demonstrations, and Vegan Camp Out in Hertfordshire (August 29-31), Britain’s largest plant-based camping event.
The Foodies Festival continues its nationwide tour with stops in Brighton, Cardiff, Birmingham and Glasgow, whilst the Great British Food Festival visits stately homes including Blenheim Palace and Knebworth House throughout the summer months.
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Image Credit:
Garlic Festival, Isle of Wight – Photo by David Dixon, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
