Top Food Events 5th-6th June
The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hooray! Rescue the sunnies from the back of the glove box, jump into those summery shorts, and why not even don a boater hat? As we teeter on the edge of the first weekend of June, and the UK is basked in sunshine and rising temperatures, you don’t need much more reason to venture into the great outdoors – but we’ll give you one anyway! Here is our pick of the best festivals and food events you really don’t want to miss this weekend.
Taste of Grampian: Inverurie, Aberdeenshire – Saturday 6th June
This is a real gem in the Scottish calendar. Where else can you find the finest whiskies from local distilleries, melt in the mouth fudge, a Scotch Beef Aspiring Chef competition/scholarship and AA rosette and Michelin Star chef, Jean Christophe Novelli? Nowhere but the Grampians. New for this year, there will be a marquee dedicated to beers, gins, whiskies and wines, and an outdoor traditional fish market. Expect a buzzing atmosphere filled with people of all ages, and for the aspiring chefs and passionate foodies, £5 will gain you entry to one of the many talks and demonstrations from familiar faces such as Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle and successful chef, and owner of Michelin starred Kinloch Lodge Hotel, Lady Claire Macdonald.
Flavours of Summer 2015: Beccles, Suffolk – Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th June
Near the fashionable seaside town of Southwold, Flavours of Summer takes place in the beautiful countryside setting of Henham Park, complete with luscious trees, a stream and a wealth of wildlife including deer. Add to this scene a variety of live music, a plethora of local and international foods to sample, and a cookery theatre where you can learn the top tips from the region’s best chefs, and you’ve got yourself a weekend to be envied.
Accrington Food & Drink Festival: Lancashire – Saturday 6th June
Hop on a vintage double-decker bus in Lancashire and experience a truly British affair as you arrive at Accrington Food & Drink festival to be greeted by local farmers and traders. Attracting over 5000 visitors, the town of Accrington parties in celebration of its rich variety of food and drinks, plus there are also events to commemorate the 71st remembrance of the D-Day landings. Celebrity chef Richard Fox will be performing a number of live cooking shows throughout the day, and guess what – it’s all completely free. From fish and chips to cakes, cheese and sausages, you'll be able to try a little bit of everything, submerge yourself in the culture of Lancashire and leave with a pleasantly full belly.
Towcester Food Festival: Northamptonshire – Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th June
With a range of everything from gourmet marshmallows to sausages and cider, Towcester racecourse presents a fun day out for families and foodies alike. With over 100 exhibitors of fresh tantalising artisan food and drink, you will be spoilt for choice. Live music, Pimms tents, a free circus for children, a real ale trail through the centre of Towcester itself, free gin and wine tasting, street food markets, and live cooking; Towcaster Food Festival simply offers you so many unique and indulgent activities it’s almost too good to be true.
Bridport Food Festival: Dorset – Sunday 7th to Saturday 13th June
Truly a family festival with an abundance of activities for children and adults alike, Bridport Food Festival is a week-long celebration culminating in a combined event with the Round Table Beer Festival on Saturday 13th. Promoting a carnival atmosphere, highlights of the festival include the Dorset Tea Tent, local producer’s marquee and the one-pot challenge taken part in by the local schools. There is also a fabulous taste trail in a multitude of venues, where everything from seafood delights to warm bakery delicacies can be savoured.
Grand Pier Cider Festival: Somerset – Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th June
Picture a warm summer’s day, a calming sea breeze, the sounds of the oceans surf and a refreshing golden pint of Somerset’s luscious cider – summer has come to Weston-super-mare and so should you! Sponsored by Thatchers, the West Country’s apples, pears and strawberries have been lovingly squeezed into the most celebrated beverage of this weekend. Venture along the boardwalk and each step will meet you with another culinary delight – we're definitely expecting the hog roast to be a firm festival favourite. On top of the beautiful, historic seaside venue, the rides, attractions and live music will keep you entertained well into the evening
Severn Valley Railway Food Festival: Shropshire – Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th June
Combining the most impressive historical locomotives with a delectable food and produce market, this is a unique festival with indulgent activities that are just too good to pass up. Wine tasting, Indian cooking demonstrations and talks with the “Meet the Bees” experts are just some of the exciting ways to while away the weekend and enough to build up an appetite. Just as well Castlemore Farm is on hand to provide a succulent hog roast, whilst other vendors offer stone baked pizzas, pancakes, pies and many more. Those with green fingers can rejoice also in a selection of flowers and garden plants, affectionately looked after and sold by knowledgeable garden experts from Bewdley Blooms.
Royal Cornwall Show: Cornwall – Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th June
No festival in the UK holds a more impressive accolade than the Royal Cornwall Show, having been a feature on the British events calendar for 221 years. If you need any more convincing, the RAF Falcons are performing an air show, exciting motocross driving stunts will be on display, and this agricultural show attracts the most magnificent animals from around the nation, from goats to dogs and rabbits to bees. It also features competitions as intriguing as cow milking (I wonder how that one is judged!?). Aside from the main events you will be amply supplied by high quality catering and bar services providing a delicious selection of local food and drinks. Even Princess Alexandra made a visit to the show today – who knows, you might even make it on TV!
Open Farm Sunday: Warwickshire – Sunday 7th June
Open Farm Sunday captures something no other festival on this list can, and that is the beauty and importance of the nature and the countryside we British are privileged to experience. This weekend, hundreds of farmers will welcome the general public onto their land, offering farm walks, nature trails, tractor rides, pond dipping and mini farmer’s markets. These activities can be appreciated and enjoyed by all ages. So search for a farm near you, and spend a relaxing Sunday listening to the chirping of the birds, glimpsing ladybugs, breathing in the fresh country air and indulging in some fresh local produce.
