8 of the tastiest food festivals in autumn

One of Europe’s largest vegan celebrations, London Vegfest is the ultimate vegan experience. Bursting with nearly 300 food stalls, vegan cosmetics and fashion items, visitors can discover a world of vegan products. Engage in talks from some of the country’s most influential vegan activists and sponsors to learn about the latest campaigns and outreach work.

A must-do for any foodie, this epic food festival in Manchester serves up immersive drink experiences, supper clubs and cookery masterclasses. Mix gourmet street food with a gin festival and tours of the city’s Northern Quarter, and you have the perfect recipe for an unmissable urban food fest.

Take advantage of one of many special restaurant offers, go pub orienteering around town or get stuck in to a range of gourmet street-food dishes. There are also a host of tastings and cookery demos taking place across the three days. Don’t miss out!

Granted a Protected Geographical Indication for its delicious delicacy, Leicestershire’s town of Melton Mowbray hails its eponymous pork pie in a food and drink festival of its own. The rural foodie capital bustles with a swath of stalls filled with the freshest countryside produce. Chomp on Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Stilton cheese and try exotic delicacies too, including ostrich burgers and Persian dishes – a nod to the area’s multicultural community.

Join fellow food lovers to celebrate one of the most anticipated events in the foodie calendar – the Ludlow Food Festival. Over 180 exhibitors and hot and cold food vendors, primarily from Ludlow and the Welsh Marches, set up shop in the stunning surroundings of Ludlow Castle showcasing tasty, top-quality produce, from local charcuterie to hand-raised pies. And with tastings, talks and free chef demos galore, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Sink your teeth into everything from gourmet chocolate to Yorkshire salami from the markets sprawled over Parliament Street and Shambles Market at this 10-day foodie spectacular. Book yourself on one of the taste trails, join an edible art workshop or sip and savour some delectable wines.

Taste some of Cumbria’s finest produce at the county’s flagship food festival. Explore 80 stalls, a hot food court and cooking demonstrations. Don’t miss the street party at Market Place, or the chance to try local ales at Workington's Tractor Shed Brewery. And this year the event will be joining forces with Northbound Festival, featuring performances from the best local bands. Add in comedy shows, barbecues and a prosecco bar and it's shaping up to be a good weekend all round. 

The Dartmouth Food Festival is back to celebrate the best food, drink and cookery skills from the South West. With an exciting mix of delicious regional food and drink, chef demonstrations, workshops and lively food debates, it’s a true foodie’s heaven.

Its packed programme of events has more than 100 local producers (with the majority from Devon itself!) serving up their most mouth-watering produce. Wander the cobblestone alleyways of this beautiful harbour town, nibble between the stalls, and brush up on your culinary skills at cookery demonstrations by big-name chefs.