15 Must-Visit Food & Drink Festivals This Summer and Autumn

What’s the top reason people are planning UK getaways this year? According to VisitBritain, it’s trying local food and drink — and we’re not surprised. Across the country, independent food and drink festivals are popping up like perfectly risen sourdough. From seaside seafood to forest-foraged vegan feasts, craft beer to creative cocktails, the UK’s food scene is serving it fresh this summer and autumn.

Here’s our pick of the tastiest events coming up — ideal for a foodie day out, weekend away, or just some delicious inspiration.

1. Lymington Seafood Festival – New Forest, England

11–13 July 2025
A seaside celebration of all things shellfish, with local spirits, craft beer, live music, and chef demos set against a coastal backdrop.

2. Rock Oyster Festival – Cornwall, England

24–27 July 2025
A dreamy estuary setting, fresh oysters, coastal adventure, and a top-notch music line-up – what’s not to love?

3. Cardiff Food and Drink Festival – Cardiff, Wales

July 2025
This buzzing waterfront festival is packed with international street food, Welsh favourites, live music, and family-friendly vibes.

4. Birmingham Restaurant Week – Birmingham, England

Late July–Early August 2025 (TBC)
An unmissable showcase of the city’s culinary talent. Restaurants, cafés, and bars across Birmingham offer set menus, special offers, and tasting experiences, making it the perfect excuse to explore the local dining scene without breaking the bank.

5. Great British Beer Festival – Birmingham, England

5–9 August 2025
CAMRA’s flagship event comes to the NEC, with cask ales, craft beers, global brews, and expert-led tastings all under one roof. Cheers to that.

6. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival – England

16–17 August 2025
From garlicky fudge to smoky street food, this countryside favourite is a true celebration of the humble (and pungent) bulb.

7. The Big Feastival – The Cotswolds, England

22–24 August 2025
Music, family fun, celeb chefs, and street food on Alex James’ farm. A weekend that hits every note.

8. Meatopia – Wapping, London, England

28–31 August 2025
Top chefs, sustainable meat, open flames – it’s a smoky, flavour-packed festival like no other.

9. Vegan Camp Out – Bygrave Woods, Hertfordshire, England

29 August 2025
The UK’s biggest vegan camping event brings food, activism, yoga, talks, and serious festival energy – now in a beautiful new woodland setting.

10. Abergavenny Food Festival – Wales

20–21 September 2025
A must-visit for foodies, with demos, tastings, workshops, street food and a vibrant town-wide atmosphere.

11. Portsmouth Vegan Festival – Southwest England

20 September 2025
A plant-powered one-dayer packed with street food, stalls, free samples and cooking demos at the Mountbatten Centre.

12. Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival – West Sussex, England

September 2025
This charming rural festival blends farmers’ markets, pintxos parties, food trails and more.

13. Taste of Scilly – Isles of Scilly

12–21 September 2025
Island-grown seafood, foraging walks, morning sails and farm tours make this a truly special, off-the-beaten-path food adventure.

14. Brecon Beacons Food Festival – Wales

Autumn 2025
Showcasing local producers in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog, with everything from preserves and cheese to spirits and sweet treats.

15. Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival – Northern Ireland

October 2025
Whiskey tastings, smoked salmon feasts, artisan markets and cosy pub sessions in the scenic village of Bushmills. Yes please.

Final Bite

Wherever you go this summer and autumn, there’s a feast waiting – and local producers, chefs, brewers and bakers behind it all. So make a trip of it, bring your appetite, and celebrate the best of independent hospitality in every corner of the UK. If you’re an indie business getting involved in one of these events (or hosting your own!), get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d love to help share the story.