Summer food festivals in the North West

This summer the North West is just bursting with food festivals. Perfect for discovering local producers and trying out some totally delicious foodie treats.

North West Food Lovers Festival

3rd - 5th July, Stanley Park, Liverpool

A food festival for the whole family, the North West Food Lovers festival promises to be a brilliant day out that families will love. In addition to the cookery demonstrations, there's over 100 passionate food and drink exhibitors,  free kids cooking classes put on by the Academy of Culinary Arts and Radio City Music stage which will feature artists from the Liverpool International Music festival in a series of sessions over the 3 days.

Altrincham French Festival

11th & 12th July, Stamford Park, Hale

Oh lala - it's a little bit of France brought to Manchester. With can-can dancers, sports tournaments, French cookery lessons, vintage cars, fireworks and utterly scrumptious food stalls. Definitely one to visit!

Foodies Festival

17th - 19th July, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire

A totally delicious festival of food featuring wine and champagne classes, Michelin-starred Chefs, food producers market, scrumptious street food, BBQ arena, cake and bake theatre, live music and pop-up bars.

The Lakes Chilli Festival

18th & 19th July, Dalemain House and Gardens, Penrith

For those who like things hot the Lakes Chilli Festival is a must! With over 80 producers offering the tastiest and spiciest chilli products alongside live music from a variety of acts and a chilli eating competition - not to be missed!

The Ridges Orchard Tea Garden

every Wednesday & Thursday throughout July (check website), Chorley, Lancashire

And for those who crave a little slice of English countryside and an afternoon tea, what better place than the beautifully quaint private gardens of The Ridges. June and July is the time of year when the fragrant Rambling Roses are in full bloom in the orchard, so the fragrant air is all throughout the garden. A selection of cream teas, home made cakes, quiches and beverages are available.

 

Garstang Show

1st August, Garstang Showfield, Garstang

A traditional agricultural and horticultural show with mouthwateringly delicious local produce available at the Farmers market. A packed schedule of events and displays including Freestyle Stunt Display, CBeebies presenter Katy Ashworth, The Welsh Axemen, Morecombe Brass Band, Fancy Dress and Vintage Competitions.

The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show

7th - 9th August, Salesbury Hall, Ribchester

Foodies can head straight on over to the Field of Food. A celebration of the regions finest food and beverage brands. Make a day or weekend of it and enjoy the full schedule of traditional agricultural show exhibits from Shire horse exhibitions, equestrian events, working dog show, livestock displays and stacks of arts and crafts.

Clitheroe Food Festival 

8th August, Clitheroe

One of the most successful food events in the North West. Now in its fifth year, nearly 20,000 visitors enjoy the festival and experience the finest Lancashire food and drink. 2015 will not disappoint – with‘ World Cuisine’ chef demonstrations, delicious street food to sample and take home the finest Lancashire produce. Listen to live music whilst enjoying a drink from one of the pop-up bars. Book your kids onto ‘The Food Academy’ cooking workshops or entertain them at the Castle Field fair.

Fylde Coast Food & Drink Festival

16th August, Marine Hall, Esplanade, Fleetwood

With a beautiful seaside setting this is a food festival that will make a great summer's day out for all the family. Pies, paella, chutney and cheese, cakes, chocolate and a whole host of other delicious treats on offer. Tasty hot street food and cooking demonstrations. A totally delicious day out and free entry!

Bolton Food and Drink Festival

28th - 31st August, Bolton town centre

A food festival packed to bursting! This is the 10th annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival and they've got an amazing line up of events. From celebrity chef demonstrations, artisan food and drink market, street entertainment, live music and a brilliant dedicated children's marquee with kid-friendly demos and entertainment.