Dates announced for Harrogate Food and Drink Festival 2027 featuring new attractions and live performances

The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival will return to the Stray next summer, with organisers promising new attractions, live entertainment and a host of Yorkshire independent traders.

The popular annual event will take place on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20, 2027, marking its seventh year in Harrogate.

Festival organisers say visitors can expect an expanded programme celebrating international cuisine alongside Yorkshire's thriving independent food, drink and artisan scene.

Plans are already underway to introduce new production features, additional family attractions and collaborations with local businesses, performers and entertainers.

The entertainment programme will feature four live stages, each hosting a unique schedule of family shows, live performances, demonstrations and activities.

At the Main Stage, local bands and up-and-coming musicians will perform throughout the afternoon, while The Cookery Theatre, returning in partnership with Steph Moon, brings together an eclectic mix of the region’s leading culinary talents.

Following its successful debut in 2026, the Sizzling Showdown Arena will also return with a series of audience participation events including Wally Woof's Family Dog Show, The Chilli Challenge, Foodie Olympics and Pies Down, Eyes Down Bingo hosted by Barry Bingo.

Meanwhile, the Live Entertainers Stage, hosted by Matthew J Magic, will feature magicians, circus performers and family-friendly entertainment, alongside interactive circus workshops.

Festival Director Michael Johnston said the event continues to evolve thanks to feedback from visitors.

He said: "It's always a pleasure to return to the Stray and see so many familiar faces alongside visitors joining us for the first time.

"Over the last six years, we've been fortunate to welcome thousands of festival-goers, alongside a wonderful community of independent traders, performers and entertainers who've helped shape the event.

"Each year, we look at how we can improve the festival experience, whether that's through production, entertainment or new activities.

“Attendee feedback plays an important part in that process, and we're using it to help shape our plans for 2027.

“There's plenty to look forward to when we return next summer."

Food remains at the heart of the festival, with the Street Food Village bringing together independent vendors serving dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Two streets of independent bars will also return, offering craft cocktails, wines, ciders, spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks.

More than 80 independent businesses are expected to take part in the artisan markets, selling handmade crafts, locally produced food and drink, artwork and gifts.

Assistant Festival Manager Izaak Shuttleworth said supporting independent businesses remains a key focus.

He said: "Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire region are home to an incredible community of independent traders, artisans and entrepreneurs, and it's been a real privilege to welcome so many of them to the festival over the last six years.

"We're always looking to discover new businesses and give them an opportunity to showcase what they do.

“We'd encourage anyone interested in getting involved to get in touch as we work towards bringing together our most varied selection of independent traders yet."

Returning attractions will include a mobile farm, traditional funfair and a site-wide scavenger hunt, with organisers also teasing a number of new activities to be revealed over the coming months.

Harrogate Mind will once again be the festival's chosen charity.

Organisers hope to build on the £210,000 raised collectively for mental health initiatives through the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival and its sister events.

Limited early bird tickets are now on sale, with further announcements about the 2027 programme expected in the months ahead.

For more information, visit www.harrogatefoodfestival.com