Established in 1997, this is Yorkshire’s largest food festival and one of the longest running, attracting foodies from across the county and beyond. At the very centre of the celebrations is the daily food market in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square open from 10am to 5pm daily. Here, you’ll find more than 100 food and drink producers selling tempting street food dishes alongside their locally sourced specialties to showcase the best that the county has to offer, including the much-anticipated Best of Yorkshire stand. There’s so many unique stalls to browse, delightful samples to taste, and a huge variety of items to purchase and take home or share with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for locally produced cheeses and meats, baked goods and chocolates, or handmade preserves, York Food and Drink Festival has everything you need to get a real taste of Yorkshire.
Don’t worry if you get full, there’s plenty more ways you can enjoy a day out at the York Food and Drink Festival. Each day from noon until 4pm, the market will host demonstrations and special tastings, this could be anything from a cookery demonstration by a celebrity chef or by York Cookery School where you can hone your food preparation skills. There will also be interactive workshops at the new St Sampson’s Centre and informative exhibits at the Guildhall telling the city’s chocolate-filled history. To ensure your favourite Yorkshire offerings are enjoyed with the perfect pair, York Brewery and Yorkshire Tea will be on hand to provide liquid refreshments like York Gin and Yorkshire Orchards Cider alongside wine bars and coffee stalls.
Throughout the festival, the evenings will bring live entertainment from 5pm onwards through York’s ‘little festival of live music’ on Parliament Street. Made up of an array of live performances from the ‘Live for St. Leonard’s’ program staged in collaboration with a local hospice, this musical celebration is the perfect accompaniment to the local and international flavours, including Thai, Indian, Italian, and Mexican, served at the street food stalls. The festival programme also highlights enticing events like special dinners, tastings, and food and drink events taking place across the city.
Spread across the great city of York, the York Food and Drink Festival is the perfect occasion to explore all that the city has to over while dipping in and out of the bustling markets and family-friendly events. You’ll see the iconic Shambles Market even busier than usual and have the chance to learn all about York’s chocolatey past at York Cocoa House. The Food Factory will host a range of hands-on activities that allow guests of all ages to see how everyday foods are made, pick up useful tips, and learn new techniques. York’s vibrant food scene can be explored to the fullest through the East, West, and Vegan Taste Trails that take you through some of the city’s most celebrated cafés, restaurants, delis, and food businesses and their exceptional menus. For little ones, there will be family-friendly adventures, children’s walking tours, and more throughout the day.
The festival is open to everyone with free entry across most of the event with only a small number of ticketed events. Last year saw Yorkshire’s famous gastronomy paired with comedy, tours, and tradition with a twist with so much more to be announced in this year’s line-up including the promise of pop ups, interactive experiences, and a tempting whisky and cheese tasting. There truly is something for all ages and interests from food and drink to entertainment and experiences. If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay during this incredible celebration of Yorkshire hospitality, look no further than our beautiful selection of one-of-a-kind properties.
Image credit: York Food and Drink Festival
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