Five of the best UK Food Festivals

Cover photo: Grillstock Above photo: Grillstock

Festivals aren't all about music, camping, mud and hangovers, the summer welcomes a swathe of celebrations of sport, film, technology, beer and of course food, glorious food.

With the sun beating down, the real ales flowing, and a cavalcade of open grills cooking away, food festivals are a welcome and integral part of the British summer. We've looked at five of the best.

Grillstock 11th - 12th July

Now something of an institution in Bristol, the two day grilled meat fest Grillstock is a meat lover's paradise, recreating the sights, sounds and tastes of America.

The celebration of barbecue culture features as its centre piece the King of the Grill competition, where 24 teams battle it out over the smoky coals for barbecue bragging rights. Visitors can interact with the teams, taste the food and experience their passion and enthusiasm for authentic barbecue. 

There's also live Americana bands, chilli eating competitions, and a BBQ academy for those that want to learn the ways of the grilled meat masters. Find out more on Grillstock.

East Midlands Chilli, Artisan and Beer Festival 11th - 12th July

Back for its second year after an impressive debut last summer, the East Midlands festival returns with 30 chilli stalls featuring chilli beer, cider, ice cream, chocolate, chilli plants and fruits from some of the UK's best Chilli artisans, as well as a huge array of local beers, real ales and craft beers. 

The food vendors on site are all of the highest order too, with pulled pork, gourmet dogs, and jerk chicken amongst the delicacies on offer. There's also a chilli eating contest (above) and a cook off too for those that fancy showing off their spicy skills. Head here for tickets.

MADE 25th - 26th July

The first day of MADE is all about the music, with some of the biggest names in techno, house and bass taking centre stage (more on that here), but on day two, food becomes very much the focus.

Held in association with Digbeth Dining Club (find out what they're all about in the video above), the Digbeth Triangle will welcome 20 of the best street vendors from across the UK to vie for your appetites. There'll also be a healthy does of street art, gin bars, cocktail shacks, retro games and some choice DJs and live acts. Get your tickets here.

Big Feastival 28th - 30th August

He might be best known for being the bass guitarist of Blur, but Alex James is also a renowned foodie, with cheese being one of his main true loves. Teaming up with everyone's favourite TV Chef Jamie Oliver, the two have brought The Big Feastival to life - a two day celebration of music, food and fun for all the family - watch last year's highlights above.

Alongside artists like Paloma Faith, Groove Armada and Ella Eyre, the festival has on offer the cream of the UK's street food crop, cookery classes aplenty, local produce stands, and even intimate Q & A sessions with some of the biggest chefs in the world. Head here for more on Big Feastival.

Notting Hill Carnival 30th - 31st August

OK so it's not strictly a food festival, but you can't deny that food plays an intrinsic part in London's Notting Hill Carnival. In amongst the enormous sound systems and top DJs pumping out the finest in roots, reggae, dub, house and everything in between, there is some seriously good grub on offer.

If you've even the slightest hankering for Caribbean cuisine, the very best examples will be found at Notting Hill Carnival, from curried goat to pungent salt fish via incredible jerk chicken, Notting Hill is a Carnival that delights all the senses (check out the street food on offer above). More on Notting Hill Carnival here.

Check out our complete Festival Guide here.