REVEALED: Dates announced for return of popular Harrogate Food and Drink Festival at Ripley Castle
The much-loved Harrogate Food and Drink Festival will return to Ripley Castle for its seventh annual celebration next summer.
Organisers of the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have announced that the popular event will return on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026.
Situated beside the historic grounds of Ripley Castle, plans are already underway to elevate attendee experiences with brand-new activities, expanded production, and an increasingly diverse entertainment programme.
The festival’s organisers say the changes come in response to strong visitor feedback from 2025, with a commitment to delivering an engaging experience for both first-time and returning attendees.
Michael Johnston, Festival Director, said: “Each and every year, a huge part of what makes this event so special is the warm, vibrant atmosphere created by the local community.
"Their ongoing support is what makes the event possible, so we prioritise improving each element of the festival any way we can.
"We’ve gathered feedback from our 2025 attendees and have already begun building on all of their positive comments.”
With increased emphasis on representing a range of world cultures, the festival's entertainment programme is set to showcase an eclectic mix of international music, local performers, expert chefs, and performing arts.
Additionally, a fully-refreshed Street Food Arena has been re-envisioned for 2026, presenting its widest selection of global dishes to date.
Underpinned by the same variety, expanded Artisan Markets will highlight an abundance of the region’s brightest entrepreneurs.
A selection of independent bars will complement the main stage, serving everything from draught favourites to small-batch spirits.
Izaak Shuttleworth, Assistant Festival Manager, added: “One of our many priorities is introducing a variety fresh faces into the markets, bars and street food areas, so we’re always on the lookout for unique and exciting local businesses.
"Plenty of applications are already flying in, and we can’t wait to bring them all together this August.”
With promises of a bolstered programme of family entertainment, the festival is introducing a range of new activities, displays, and challenges.
While the full details are set to be announced in the coming months, attendees can expect a series of creative, hands-on interactive experiences tailored to friends and families alike.
The festival’s long-standing partners, Harrogate Mind, will return for 2026 with a focus on building on the £165,000 collectively raised for mental health initiatives throughout the North of England.
Early bird tickets are now available, priced at £6.95 for adults, £4.95 for Under 16’s, and free for Under 5’s.
For more information about the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival, including tickets and updates, visit www.harrogatefoodfestival.com