Local Foodie Events Around the UK This Year
There’s something special about discovering local flavours, biting into freshly made produce and chatting with the people who make it all happen. Local Foodie Events UK this year, food lovers are spoilt for choice with dozens of events bringing together regional favourites, talented small producers and an atmosphere that’s hard to match. Whether it’s artisan cheese, smoked meats, fresh bread or traditional puddings, there’s a little something to tempt every taste bud.
We at The Cheese Shop Nantwich love nothing more than hitting the road and soaking up the food scene at events that celebrate proper food made by real people.
Where to Begin? Food Festivals Worth Travelling For
The calendar for 2025 is packed. From Devon’s harbours to Cumbrian hills, food festivals large and small are popping up everywhere. Foodies looking for something different, or simply a great day out, won’t have to travel far.
Let’s start with the Ludlow Food Festival in Shropshire. It’s a long-time favourite and brings in hundreds of artisan producers from cheese makers to jam creators. Held inside and around Ludlow Castle, it’s one of the oldest Local Foodie Events UK of its kind, and there’s nothing quite like sipping cider in a medieval courtyard while sharing a cracking cheese board with friends.
Then there’s the famous Abergavenny Food Festival in Wales. Expect cooking demos, tasting tents, and a real community feel. If you enjoy meeting the faces behind the food, this one’s well worth your time.
Close to our hearts is the Nantwich Food Festival, right on our doorstep in Cheshire. This one’s grown massively over the years and now pulls in tens of thousands. We love bringing a selection of our artisan cheeses to meet customers, old and new. If you’re in the area, it’s a must-visit.
Go Local: Small Foodie Events Worth Exploring
While large festivals get all the attention, many of the UK’s greatest foodie gems lie in smaller weekend markets, cheese fairs and pop-up tastings. They’re friendly, full of charm and packed with chances to try regional specials.
Cowslip Workshops in Cornwall host regular local food events, where visitors can enjoy baked goods, chutneys and handmade cheese. The same goes for the Louth Food Festival in Lincolnshire, where smoked bacon, toffee puddings and English wines are all on show.
Visiting these smaller events is also a great way to discover producers you won’t find in chain supermarkets. Many of these makers only sell through word of mouth or direct to customers, and that adds to the magic. We often meet fellow cheese makers at these events who are just as excited to show off their creations as we are.
A Cheese-Lover’s Year: Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Let’s be honest, if you’re a fan of cheese, 2025 looks delicious.
One event that’s high on our list is the Cheese and Chilli Festival, held in various locations including Guildford and Swindon. Expect fiery treats next to creamy wedges of locally made brie and cheddar.
The Big Cheese Festival in Caerphilly is another favourite, drawing from Wales’ rich dairy tradition. There’s everything from soft goat’s cheese to mature Welsh cheddar on offer.
Of course, there’s our line-up of events we attend or host, where we showcase the very best from The Cheese Shop Nantwich, from tangy blues to award-winning truckles. These events are a chance for people to taste-before-you-buy and chat about pairings, storage and serving tips.
We also bring along perfect foodie gifts for those wanting a delicious surprise for loved ones.
British Regions That Always Delight
Every corner of the UK offers something unique, and that definitely applies to food. Scotland offers buttery shortbread and smoked salmon, while Yorkshire’s farmhouse cakes and pork pies keep people coming back for more.
Devon and Cornwall proudly show off their clotted cream and scones (though don’t get dragged into the cream vs jam first debate). Then there’s Kent and its orchards full of apples and cherries, made into jams, ciders and crumbles worth queuing for.
One of our favourite stops is Cumbria, where handmade chutneys and artisan cheeseboards are truly special. If you haven’t tried a Cumbrian blue with a slice of pear, you’re missing out.
Food events are a great way to sample these regional favourites directly from the people who produce them. We always recommend visitors ask questions, try plenty and take notes for future shopping!
See the Faces Behind the Food
One thing we admire most is the dedication and care put into small-batch food. You’ll find everything from goat farmers with just 20 animals making seasonal cheese to bakers using recipes passed down five generations.
Many of these talented creators attend food festivals, not just to sell, but to spend time with people who love their food. It’s not unusual to have a ten-minute chat over a slice of brie, swapping ideas for wine pairing or hearing how the summer rain affected the flavour of the year’s cheese.
Meeting the makers is what makes these events so special, and it’s why we keep going back. There’s something heartwarming about buying food directly from the person who’s made it with their own hands.
Tastings and Tips: Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re heading out to a regional food event, take your time. Don’t rush from stall to stall. Taste, ask questions and enjoy the day. We always suggest bringing a tote bag, a bottle of water and some cash, as not every stall takes cards.
Start with tasters. The best stalls will be happy to offer you small bites before you choose. Whether it’s chutneys, chocolate or chunks of cheddar, getting a feel for the flavours is half the fun.
Try to sample local specialities. They might surprise you. A good rule is: if someone’s queueing, it’s probably worth tasting.
Many events offer schedule boards at the entrance. Look out for cooking demonstrations or food pairings. They’re a fun way to learn something new. And if you’re shopping at ours, you’ll be able to get expert pairing ideas and storage tips right from us.
Stock Up on Artisan Finds
One of the joys of these events is bringing the taste of the fair home. From oat biscuits and spiced chutneys to handmade sausages and, of course, artisan cheeses, food fairs are ideal for stocking your fridge and cupboards with flavours you won’t find at big-name stores.
At our stand, you’ll find everything from classic crumbly Cheshire to rich and nutty Alpine-style wheels. Our full range of artisan cheeses is carefully chosen for both taste and character.
And if you’re looking for gifts for food lovers, whether it’s for birthdays or thank-you presents, our curated gift selection has you covered.
FAQs
When’s the best time to visit a food event?
Spring and late summer tend to be the most packed with events, with September being especially lively. Weekends are the busiest, so early-morning start times help avoid crowds.
Can I bring children to most food events?
Yes, many events are family-friendly. Some have kid zones, live music and even petting areas. Food markets are a great way for children to explore new tastes.
Are vegan and gluten-free foods available?
Most modern food events make room for dietary needs, and many producers offer tasty vegan or gluten-free options.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Some of the bigger food festivals do sell out. Booking online can also be cheaper. Smaller events and pop-ups are often free or take cash entry at the door.
Can I bring my dog?
Many outdoor events welcome dogs, but check ahead. Always keep them on a lead and bring water and treats for them, too.
Wrapping Up: Let’s Meet Over Food This Year
There’s nothing like a good food fair to bring people together. Whether you’re into cheese, pies, chocolates or ciders, this year the UK is packed with chances to taste, buy and enjoy.
We love sharing our cheeses at local and national events and meeting others who enjoy proper, flavour-filled food made with care. If you’re planning your next trip, take a look at our upcoming events, or explore some brilliant artisan cheeses to get a flavour of what’s out there.
See you on the road, tasting plate in hand!
