Everything you need to know about this weekend’s Harrogate Food and Drink Festival on the Stray
Here are the full details on the sixth annual Harrogate Food and Drink Festival which will take place this weekend with new attractions, family activities, live entertainment and independent traders.
Organisers of the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have released the full programme for their annual celebration in the heart of central Harrogate, taking place on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 at The Stray.
Attendees can anticipate the festival’s most diverse selection of attractions to date, including brand-new activities, entertainment line-ups, and the debut of a fourth live stage.
Live Music Entertainment
Two of the region’s leading tribute acts are set to headline the Main Stage, with The UB40 Experience (Saturday, 5.45pm) and The Soul Shebang (Sunday, 5.15pm) performing in the evenings.
A variety of soloists, duos, cover bands and community groups are also scheduled across the weekend.
Live Cookery Theatre
At the Live Cookery Theatre, brand-new host and compère Stephanie Moon is bringing together an eclectic mix of the region’s culinary experts.
Twelve different live demonstrations are scheduled, each led by independent business owners, renowned head chefs, AA Rosette recipients, Great British Menu competitors and other acclaimed specialists.
Matthew J Magic leads the immersive Live Entertainment Stage, with both himself and Darren Mac performing family magic, circus and comedy shows between 11am-4pm.
Free circus skills workshops take place in between each show for families and friends alike.
In partnership with Pure Pet Food is the brand-new Sizzling Showdown Arena, a series of free, interactive live shows hosted by renowned comedian Neil Frost.
Four free-to-enter live shows take place between noon-4pm: The Foodie Olympics (12.30pm); Wally Woof’s Family Dog Show (2pm); The Chilli Challenge (3pm) and Pies Down, Eyes Down Bingo (4pm).
Family Activities and Attractions
Various family attractions fill the festival grounds, including the new introductions of Viking Heritage Kitchen, showcasing traditional Viking cooking techniques, and Target Paintball with Focusing Events.
Music and dance duo Raggle Taggle Arts are set to roam across the site, in addition to stilt walkers, comedy performances and other eccentric entertainers.
Elsewhere, Ian’s Mobile Farm brings with him a selection of four-legged friends, while Memorabubble perform live bubble shows.
Families can further embark on the Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt or get creative in the Scribble Tent with complimentary foodie colouring books.
Street Food, Markets and Bars
Eighteen different independent street food vendors feature, each offering global flavours and international delicacies from the likes of Venezuela, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Brazil, China, Jamaica and more.
Soft drinks, fresh lemonade, ciders, cocktails, spritz, prosecco, spirits and wine will be available from ten different independent bars, while a full ale house with Vocation Brewery serves lagers and IPAs on draught.
More than 90 local businesses, entrepreneurs and artisans will showcase a treasure trove of goods in the bustling Artisan Markets, inviting festival-goers to explore a selection of crafts, savoury items, sweet treats, homeware, art and more.
Final Details
Harrogate Mind will be in attendance as the festival's primary charity partner, raising awareness and support for those facing mental health difficulties.
Organisers hope to add to the £178,000 collectively raised for Mind charities across England to date.
Ticket information
For the full line-up, tickets, and updates, visit www.harrogatefoodfestival.com