Are you passionate about food? Then 2025 is set to be a feast for your senses! Whether you’re a trader showcasing your culinary skills or a festival-goer indulging in the finest food and drink, this year’s lineup of festivals promises to be unforgettable. From sizzling barbecues to gourmet street food, the UK’s food and drink festivals are the perfect way to celebrate the nation’s vibrant culinary scene. Here’s a detailed look at the best events to mark on your calendar for 2025.
The Big Feastival: 22–24 August, Cotswolds
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswolds, The Big Feastival is back for another year of incredible food, music, and family fun. Taking place from 22–24 August 2025, this festival is a celebration of British countryside charm combined with world-class cuisine. Expect an eclectic mix of street food vendors, celebrity chef demonstrations, and live performances from top artists. For traders, it’s an opportunity to showcase your culinary creations to an enthusiastic crowd that loves to eat, dance, and relax. Whether you’re serving artisanal burgers or exotic fusion dishes, this festival is a must-attend for anyone in the food business.
Taste of London: 12–16 June, Regent’s Park
London’s culinary scene comes alive at Taste of London from 12–16 June 2025 in Regent’s Park. This iconic event gathers the city’s top restaurants, chefs, and food innovators in one stunning location. It’s like taking a gastronomic tour of London without leaving the park. From Michelin-starred dishes to emerging street food trends, there’s something for everyone. For traders, this is the ultimate platform to showcase your menu to a discerning audience eager to discover new flavours. With interactive workshops and tastings, it’s not just about eating—it’s about experiencing the artistry behind every bite.
Foodies Festival: Touring Nationwide
The Foodies Festival continues its nationwide tour in 2025, bringing its signature mix of gourmet food, live music, and family entertainment to cities across the UK. Known as “the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink,” this festival features appearances by Michelin-starred chefs and live performances from chart-topping musicians. Whether it’s Brighton, Edinburgh, or Birmingham on the schedule, each location offers traders a chance to connect with local communities while serving up delicious meals paired with great vibes. With its relaxed yet lively atmosphere, Foodies Festival is ideal for traders looking to combine their passion for cooking with a love for live entertainment.
Pub in the Park: Four Fantastic Festivals
Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park returns in 2025 with its unbeatable combination of gourmet pub grub and laid-back charm. This traveling festival will visit several locations across the UK, including Marlow and Bath, offering traders multiple opportunities to showcase their craft. Think of your favourite pub experience amplified by world-class chefs and live music performances. The festival celebrates comfort food at its finest—perfect for traders specializing in hearty dishes or innovative takes on British classics. With cosy outdoor cooking spaces and an emphasis on community spirit, Pub in the Park is a highlight for both visitors and vendors alike.
Smoke & Fire Festival: 5-6 July, Ascot Racecourse
Barbecue enthusiasts won’t want to miss Smoke & Fire Festival at Ascot Racecourse on 5-6 July 2025. This two-day event is a celebration of all things smoky and grilled, from Texas-style brisket to flame-seared seafood. Traders with a passion for barbecue will find this festival an ideal stage to showcase their skills and connect with an audience that appreciates bold flavours and expert techniques. Beyond the mouth-watering food stalls, visitors can enjoy live fire demonstrations, BBQ competitions, and craft beer pairings. If you’re ready to bring the heat—literally—this is your chance.
Meatopia: 28–31 August, Tobacco Dock, London
For meat lovers and grill masters alike, Meatopia remains one of London’s most anticipated festivals. Scheduled for 30 August–1 September 2025 at Tobacco Dock, this event is dedicated to sustainable meat practices and open-flame cooking techniques. Featuring some of the best chefs from around the world, Meatopia offers everything from slow-cooked ribs to inventive meat-based dishes that push culinary boundaries. Traders specializing in high-quality cuts or unique recipes will find an appreciative audience here. Beyond the food itself, Meatopia emphasizes storytelling—each dish has a narrative that connects diners with its origins.
New Additions for 2025
In addition to these well-loved festivals, 2025 sees some exciting new entries into the UK’s food festival scene:
- Bristol Vegan Fayre (12 April 2025, Bristol): Catering exclusively to plant-based diets, this festival will return to Bristol in spring 2025. It’s perfect for traders focusing on vegan or vegetarian cuisine, aiming to bring the vegan community together.
- Colmore Food Festival (4–5 July 2025, Birmingham): This renowned festival in Victoria Square offers affordable taster dishes from local restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. With over 30,000 visitors annually, it features diverse options, including meat, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, alongside wines and cocktails. Price caps ensure an accessible yet indulgent experience.
- Southsea Food Festival (5–6 July 2025, Portsmouth): A vibrant celebration of local cuisine and culture, this festival showcases the best of Portsmouth’s food scene. Expect artisan producers, street food stalls, and live entertainment in a lively seaside setting—a must-visit for food lovers.
Now, remember folks, these festivals are not just about selling; they’re about connecting with the community, sharing your passion, and, of course, having a blast while at it. Whether you’re showcasing family recipes, your latest culinary invention, make every bite count because each festival offers something unique. Fancy trading at one of these festivals and need insurance? Find out how we can help at CMTIA, with Public & Products Liability Insurance for events starting from just £59.
So, let’s gear up for an unforgettable year of tastes and tales. We hope you have fun at the UK food festivals – where the real magic happens in the UK’s culinary scene. Here’s to hoping your 2024 is as flavourful and fulfilling as the dishes we’re all dreaming of!