See also: Food Festivals & Shows in UK BRITISH FOOD FESTIVALSThe British, as a nation and as a people, love their food. Most British people would trace their most desirable experiences back to things to are quintessentially British. For instance, you only have to look at the plethora of places in Spain and elsewhere, where there is a big British ex-pat community, that serves a full Sunday lunch! You can go as far around the globe as you like, but the craving of Yorkshire puddings and gravy will not go away!
So, as you might expect, British foodies have a large amount of good festivals going on throughout the year, and taking in many different types of food, from marmalade to marzipan!
In February, we kick off with the uniquely named Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb, which should really market itself as the pre-eminent rhubarb festival around! There is much to do at this long-running festival, including watching expert cookery demonstrations, learning how to make rhubarb wine (essential) and sampling organic, locally-produced food as well as touring the city`s civic quarter.
Skipping forward a few months and we come upon the delightful city of Chester, which hosts the Chester Food & Drink Festival in April. Quite apart from visiting what is a charming and friendly city, the Festival has its home at Chester Racecourse, and there is so much to see and do. There are even events that complement the festival that do not go on at the racecourse, including a cocktails competition and the famous landmark event that is the cheese rolling, which actually happens in February.
Slightly more specialist is the British Asparagus Festival which, obviously, is the best place to go if you have any large affinity to the tasty vegetable. It goes on from the 23 April to the 21 June in Evesham, Worcestershire, and the centrepiece of the whole season is the traditional Asparagus Auction. At this you can buy yourself some of the finest asparagus in the world and, as it is usually held in a pub, enjoy a pint or two whilst you do! There is also The Great Asparagus Run, for those of you who like to run and/or dress up!
Now, there are many among us who like our food with a bit of a kick, and for those people the Chilli Fest is an essential visit. Situated in the Elizabethan Levens Hall in Kendal, Cumbria, those who like it hot will get the chance to try the hottest jams, jellies, chocolate, sauces, seeds and powders. Also, there are cookery demonstrations and salsa dancing to further keep the temperature up!
Another thing this country loves, and produces in great volume and quality, is cheese, and as expected there is the Great British Cheese Festival. This is centred on the vibrant Welsh capital of Cardiff, and inside the brilliant venue of Cardiff Castle. Cheese fans will be very much in their element here, with a huge cheese market for you to taste and pick up some quality cheeses from all over Britain. There are other attractions too, such as cheesemaking lessons and masterclasses and how to choose particular wines and beers to complement certain cheeses.
Overall, this is just a small selection of the huge number of great food festivals that go on around Britain, and whether you have planned ahead or hope to grab some late deals you should definitely be well served if you are looking for a food festival whilst on a trip here.
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