7 must-visit UK food festivals to feast your way through this summer
From gourmet street eats to seaside seafood feasts, these UK food festivals serve up the ultimate flavours of summer 2025
August 31, 2025
Summer in the UK isn’t just about sun — it’s also peak season for food festivals that bring together top chefs, local producers, and hungry crowds. Whether you’re craving fire-cooked BBQ, artisan cheeses, or fresh oysters by the sea, these festivals offer a delicious excuse to hit the road.
Rock Oyster Festival, Cornwall (24-27 July)
Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Camel Estuary, the Rock Oyster Festival is one of Cornwall’s most stylish and spirited food gatherings. Combining feasting with festival fun, it offers a dreamy mix of oyster bars, open-fire cookery, and Michelin-starred guest chefs like Jack Stein and Thomasina Miers. By night, the vibe shifts to a beachy party atmosphere with live music from acts such as UB40 and Ministry of Sound Classical. Family-friendly workshops, yoga sessions, and even paddleboarding make this a whole-weekend affair — not just a foodie fix.
Pembrokeshire Fish Week, Wales (12-20 July)
Not a single event, but a county-wide celebration of coastal cuisine, Pembrokeshire Fish Week transforms harbours, towns, and beaches into a giant seafood experience. Expect everything from crab-catching for kids to foraging walks, boat trips, fish filleting masterclasses, and seafood barbecues. With over 250 activities, it's a deeply local affair that celebrates both the produce and the people of Wales' most scenic coastline.
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival (16-17 August)
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is delightfully quirky and unapologetically pungent. It revolves around the island's famous garlic crop — grown at The Garlic Farm — and sees everything from garlic popcorn to garlic vodka on offer. Alongside this culinary oddity is a solid lineup of live music, extreme sports demos, a funfair, and dog shows. It’s a proper country-style festival with a spicy twist — great for families and adventurous eaters alike.
Smoke & Fire Festival (5-6 July Ascot & 16-17 August Maldon)
If your ideal summer meal involves smoky brisket, sizzling skewers, and bourbon in the sun, the Smoke & Fire Festival is your dream destination. Held in two locations — Ascot (5–6 July) and Maldon (16–17 August) — it celebrates all things BBQ with pitmasters from around the world. The “Taco & Tequila Tepee” brings the fiesta vibes, while live music, chilli-eating contests, and kids’ play zones make it a high-energy, multi-sensory experience.
The Big Feastival, Cotswolds (22-24 August)
Founded by Blur’s Alex James and nestled in the gorgeous Oxfordshire countryside, The Big Feastival blends world-class food with chart-topping music. It’s the only place you’ll find Michelin chefs cooking by day and pop icons like Nelly Furtado headlining by night. You’ll also find wellness sessions, glamping tents, and a huge kids’ village — perfect for families who want a bit of everything: gourmet food, relaxation, and a proper party atmosphere.
Meatopia, Tobacco Dock, London (28-31 August)
If you're a true carnivore, Meatopia (28–31 August) is a bucket-list event. It features live-fire cooking from some of the best meat chefs in the world, each offering one signature dish a day — all cooked over wood and charcoal. There’s a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethically sourced meat, with a soundtrack of blues and jazz, plus craft beer, smoky cocktails, and an effortlessly cool warehouse vibe.
Gatcombe Food Festival, Gloucestershire (26-27 July)
Hosted at Gatcombe Park — home of Princess Anne — this two-day event (26–27 July) brings food and farming together with royal countryside flair. Expect traditional cooking demos, vineyard tastings, artisan stalls, and local producers galore. There’s a charming rural vibe here — less about flash, more about heart. It’s one of those festivals where you end up with full arms of handmade chutneys, cheeses, and locally distilled gins.
