Calling all foodies! Get your taste buds going with our pick of the best summer food and drink festivals in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Mersea Island Brewery Easter Beer Festival, 15-18 April, 11am-6pm
The Mersea Island Beer Festival returns for Easter Weekend to the Mersea Island Vineyard in East Mersea. Hosted by Mersea Island Brewery the festival will have over 35 real ales, all brewed in Essex, as well as entertainment and food.
The Proudly Norfolk Spring Food and Drink Festival, 22 April
The Forum, Norwich
Pop along to browse a collection of Norfolk’s artisan producers accompanied by live music. Find out more.
Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival, 30 April – 2 May
Sandringham Estate
For celebrity chefs, tasty samples, demonstrations and more, visit the Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival. Keeping food fans entertained over the first May Bank Holiday will be TV’s Jo Pratt, MasterChef Professionals winner Laurence Henry, Norfolk favourite Galton Blackiston and Michelin award-winning chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, to name a few. Book here.
Spring Beer Festival, 14 May
Chelmsford City Racecourse
A fun and lively race day accompanied by German beer, bratwurst and a performance from the world-famous Bavarian Stompers! Book here.
Crab & Lobster Festival, 15-16 May
Cromer and Sheringham
Bringing together two of Norfolk’s seaside towns is the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival. Attracting over 20,000 visitors every year, the festival features delicious seafood delicacies. This year’s event takes place from 15-16 May and included heritage demonstrations, a cookery theatre, Boat Art Trail and the Scrumptious Seafood Trail which includes more than 35 local restaurants, cafés and pubs. Find out more.
46th Cambridge Beer Festival, 23-28 May
Jesus Green, Cambridge
The oldest CAMRA beer festival and one of the largest in the country. Expect plenty of variety and a buzzing atmosphere.
Beccles Food and Drink Festival, 28 May, 10am-4pm
A free festival featuring over 50 food and drink stalls, many of them local artisan producers, as well as those from further afield in East Anglia. Based in the centre of the vibrant market town, the Festival will include cookery demonstrations and talks, world street food and children’s entertainment. A free Park & Ride shuttle service will run throughout the day from Beccles Quay. Find out more.
Norwich City of Ale, May date to be confirmed
Norwich
The city’s pubs await you, serving the region’s finest ales that are often matched with seasonal local produce. Follow the ale trail or try a tasting or tour. Details here.
The Gin & Rum Festival
3-4 June, Saint Andrews & Blackfriars Hall, Norwich
22-23 July, Peterborough Cathedral
Learn more about your favourite tipple. There’s over 120 spirits to try, masterclasses, a DJ and live entertainment. New this year is the tequila bar serving up a variety of authentic tequila. Book tickets here.
Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival, 18 June
Melford Hall
Enjoy watching some of Suffolk’s best foodie talent in cookery demonstrations and tuck into great local produce. The beautiful grounds of Melford Hall will be filled with stalls, stands, funky vans and more selling delicious food. Tickets are only £5 – book here.
Essex Festival of Food and Drink, 18-19 June
Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree, Essex
If you like your food and drink, this weekend is guaranteed to keep you full on activities and tasty delights. Pick up tips from celebrity chefs, including Rosemary Shrager, be hands-on with masterclasses and workshops and taste some of the region’s best produce. There are events for little wannabe chefs too! Find out more.
TASTE Bedford, 25 June
Russells Park, Bedford
Bedford’s annual food and music festival returns with street food, food demos, local producers, live music and children’s activities. This hugely popular event is a great day out for all the family. It’s free to attend. Just make sure you go hungry! Find out more.
The Great British Food Festival, 16-17 July
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire
The festival brings together artisan producers, scrumptious street food and a selection of bars. Top up your culinary skills in the cookery demos or watch warriors take on the Men v Food challenges. Chill to live music while the children try their hand at a cookery lesson before joining a foraging walk. This is a fun, foodie event for the whole family – it’s dog-friendly too! Book your tickets here.
The Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival, 28-29 August
Town Centre, Bury St Edmunds
With a line-up of cooking demonstrations from top local chefs, the chance to taste and purchase food and drink from over 100 traders and a popular farmer’s market, this is a foodie’s heaven. Find out more.
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, 24-25 September
Snape Maltings, Suffolk
This is a must-visit for serious foodies. Brush up on your culinary skills with hands-on masterclasses, cookery demonstrations and panel style talks and debates. Tantalise your tastebuds with samples from local producers and small businesses. Full programme details here.
