The niche food festivals of the UK

[00:00.67] What do you think of when you hear the word ‘festival’?

[00:04.39] Is it music? Maybe it’s film.

[00:07.58] Or could it be food? Food festivals are a common occurrence in the UK and take place in all sorts of places and at all sorts of times: from Taste of London, in Regent’s Park each June to Aldeburgh Food Festival in Suffolk in September.

[00:24.58] Whatever your taste, there’s a food festival to match – no matter how specialised.

[00:30.96] Are you a bit of a carnivore? Then why not try Meatopia.

[00:35.47] This three-day, London-based festival takes place at the end of August and is a meat lover's paradise.

[00:42.91] In addition to a range of ethically sourced meat products, from juicy burgers to succulent steaks, attendees can listen to live music, watch butchery demos, and attend informal meat-based workshops.

[00:57.78] If you prefer a festival that will help you meet your five a day, then Vegfest is for you.

[01:04.69] This vegan-friendly event takes place in a range of UK venues several times a year.

[01:10.80] Here you can enjoy a wide selection of freshly prepared vegan food, learn culinary tips and hear talks on nutrition to help you make the most of your plant-based grub.

[01:23.02] If that weren’t niche enough, what about a festival that is dedicated solely to marmalade?

[01:29.66] Held in Cumbria, this tangy, zesty festival of preserves has been running for 13 years.

[01:36.30] It includes a competition to find the best homemade marmalade.

[01:41.34] There are thousands of entries from over 30 different countries across the globe.

[01:46.66] If you’d prefer something with a little more kick to it, then you could attend The Ginger and Spice Festival held in Market Drayton.

[01:55.42] It celebrates its town’s historic connection to Robert Clive, who returned from India with ginger.

[02:02.33] Because of this, they specialise in baking gingerbread, but also sell a range of artisan spices from mild to hot.

[02:10.83] If you have a sweet tooth, then it could be that the National Honey Show, which started in 1921 and is the largest event of its kind, is the place for you to be.

[02:21.99] This three-day event attracts over 2000 entrants to their traditional competition, and offers lectures and workshops on beekeeping and, of course, that gooey, syrupy golden nectar, honey.

[02:36.06] While there’s no accounting for taste, the UK has something to offer most people.

[02:41.11] From large-scale festivities, to the smaller more amateur gatherings, one thing is certain: people are passionate about their food.

[02:49.87] And while some of the products on offer might be an acquired taste, when food is given that much attention, it’s unlikely to leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth.