Ten things you must do at York Food Festival 2018

Food, drink, music and family fun are back on the menu as the York Food & Drink Festival returns.

The ten days of the festival are packed with fabulous flavours, delicious demonstrations, tasty trails and lots of free samples!

Festival director Michael Hjort said:

We’re delighted to offer a rather different programme for 2018, including the new Food Factory attraction – a hands-on cookery experience for families.

There are also a range of taste workshops – specialist ‘taste and learn’ sessions for foodies.

York Food & Drink Festival

Sept 21-30
Across York
More details

The packed programme also includes exciting wine tastings from South African specialist David Geary and, an exploration of the private cellar of York connoisseur, Gareth Morgan.

A range of new venues and partners have come on board including Love Cheese, Bedern Hall, Love to Eat, Bistro Guy, Pinder & Scott, The Chopping Block, Spark, the Star Inn the City and York Cocoa Works.

Here Michael picks ten things you must do at the food fest 2018…

Visit the Star Inn the Square

Al fresco eating at the festival’s new pop-up. Andrew Pern’s latest venture is open every day and until 9pm.

Enjoy the Little Festival of Live Music

There are seven nights of live music in the entertainment marquee, all in support of York Mind.

Take a wine, cider, beer or cocktail workshop

Take a break in the afternoon for an in-depth look at a specific subject close to your tastebuds.

Buy great produce in Fossgate

The festival is a great place to buy artisan produce, cheese, bread, jams, smoked salmon, oils, macaroons, etc. This activity overflows into Fossgate on both Saturdays of the festival.

Follow the Gin Trail

Or the Fizz Trail of the Ale Trail – all great little tours of some of the best bars in York. You can drink responsibly and do a venue a day over the ten days of the festival.

Bring friends and family to the Food Factory

Sign up for a trip to the Food Factory and learn about chocolate with Sophie Jewett of York Cocoa Works. Photograph: Richard McDougall

New for 2018, it’s great fun for both adults and children. Learn how to make your favourite foods in these hands-on sessions.

Sample the best of Indie York

Michael with Harry Baines of Love Cheese, the indie shop that’s hosting An Introduction to Cheese and Wine pairing

Indie York have the best sited stand at the show, on Parliament Street opposite the entrance to Shambles Market. Check out the daily samples and information on York’s diverse food independents.

Eat cake for for a good cause

The Macmillan’s Coffee Morning goes on for all ten days of the festival. Pop along and have a cuppa and a slice of something tasty at St Sampson’s Square.

Set out on the Taste Trail

A must for foodies. There are 35 samples up for grabs in cafés and delis, hotels, restaurants, street food stands and more. A booklet of vouchers is just £5.

Explore the world of wine

Compare wine offerings from both major supermarkets and independent suppliers at the Wine Fair on September 28 – you get a glass and then it’s time to pour and explore.