Naturally, here at Chestnut House we’re huge food fans and we love sampling new local products as well as revisiting old favourites. We also love the opportunity to head to a food festival or foodie-focused event and see what’s on offer. Fortunately, Cumbria has plenty of these festivals to keep us busy, but we also wanted to celebrate some of the other events around the UK that are supporting local makers and producers. Here are our top picks.

Taste Cumbria

When: September and December
Where: Cockermouth, Cumbria

We’re starting close to home with Cumbria’s very own Taste Cumbria. Although these festivals also run in Wigton and Carlisle, and there’s a Taste of the Sea festival in Maryport, the main event is in Cockermouth. The colourful town plays host to one of the most popular food festivals in the region, with many of our own suppliers represented. The main festival is in September, with a Christmas Festival in December.

Stranraer Oyster Festival

When: September
Where: Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway

Hop over the border into Scotland and you’ll find the unique Stranraer Oyster Festival. Celebrating Scotland’s last remaining native wild oyster bed, you can expect the freshest local oysters as well as plenty of entertainment that includes water sports and the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships.

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

When: August
Where: Newchurch, Isle of Wight

If you love garlic – and we know we do – head over to the Isle of Wight to celebrate this iconic vegetable. The Garlic Festival is a quaint and quirky celebration of the smelly but delicious bulb. Running since 1983, this community festival lets you sample garlic in all its forms as well as enjoy entertainment that ranges from live music to arts and crafts.

St Albans Feastival

When: September
Where: St Albans, Hertfordshire

The picture-perfect town of St Albans is an excellent place for a food festival, and the Feastival doesn’t disappoint. Lining the streets with produce from over 100 local suppliers, the “good vibes only” festival is jam-packed with street entertainment, arts and crafts and live music.

Meatopia on Fire

When: August
Where: London

Describing itself as “the ultimate Bacchanalian party”, Meatopia on Fire is a full weekend of BBQs and beer. The world’s best live-fire chefs cook up a storm with their responsibly sourced ingredients. And, despite its name, there are fish and veggie options on the menu too. If you’re located further north, Glasgow also holds a similar event in June.

Abergavenny Food Festival

When: September
Where: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

One of Wales’ most anticipated food festivals, the Abergavenny Food Festival couldn’t pack more in if it tried. We’re talking celebrity chefs, live music, talks and debates, demonstrations, workshops, children’s activities… we could go on! The festival takes place across the town, so you’ll find plenty to explore.

Dalemain World Marmalade Awards

When: April
Where: Penrith, Cumbria

Okay, we know we’re biased including two Cumbrian events, but this one is just up the road from us, so couldn’t be missed off our list! The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards are based at Dalemain Mansion, and they really are world-famous, with visitors travelling from as far away as Australia to participate and compete. You’ll find marmalade and citrus treats galore. And, if you’re elsewhere in the world, you’ll find sister festivals in Japan and Australia!

Buy Local Produce

If, like us, your mouth is now watering, hop over to our online shop to find some treats to satiate your hunger until you get along to the next festival!