East Midlands Food and Drink Festival: A Foodie Day Near The Barn

The East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2025 is back, and it promises to be another absolutely unforgettable showcase of regional goodies, artisan masters, and pretty much every type of culinary talent you can think of. This time it’s being held in the lovely town of Melton Mowbray, famous for its centuries-old food heritage – and we’re not talking just any old food here. This is the good stuff.

If you’re a proper foodie, just a weekend wander or even just looking for a place to stay in the countryside like at Luxury Harbour Lof,t then this festival has it all – a right old vibrant mix of tastings, live cooking demos, seasonal eats and street food galore. And, just to help you recover from all that indulgence, Melton is also home to the beautiful Welland Park in nearby Market Harborough – a stunning green space that’s perfect for a gentle stroll or a picnic with the family.

So, in this guide, we’re going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know: the dates, the address, the must-try dishes, local makers, and family-friendly fun – and a few tips and tricks for making the most of this fantastic East Midlands event.

When and Where Is the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2025?

The East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2025 is heading back to Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – the epicenter of the region’s food heartland – and for good reason. This place has a real buzz to it, especially in autumn, and the festival has become a highlight of the season. You can expect to find it taking place over the first weekend in October 2025 – so, that’s either Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October or the following weekend. Either way, you wont be disappointed.

If you’re planning a chill day out or maybe pairing the event with a countryside stay then this festival is the perfect addition to your autumn break near The Barn.

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Festival Venue: Melton Mowbray Livestock Market

The festival is being held at the fantastic Melton Mowbray Livestock Market – a few minutes’ stroll from the town centre. This place has loads of room to fit in over 150 exhibitors, live demo stages, tasting zones, and loads of street food stalls – so, it’s basically a foodie village for the weekend.

Address:
Melton Mowbray Livestock Market
Scalford Road
Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire
LE13 1JY

Its central location makes it easy to reach by car or public transport, with ample parking and accessible routes throughout the site.

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Expected Dates: Early October 2025

Although official dates are still to be confirmed, the festival traditionally runs during the first full weekend of October. Based on previous years, the 2025 event is likely to take place on:

Saturday 4 October & Sunday 5 October 2025

Keep an eye on the official website or local listings in summer 2025 for finalised dates and ticket releases.

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Opening Hours

The festival typically operates from:

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on both days

Arriving early is recommended if you want to:

• Enjoy freshly prepared dishes before queues build
  
• Secure a good spot for live cooking demos
  
• Wander through the stalls at a relaxed pace
  

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Getting There

By Car:
Melton Mowbray is easily accessible via the A607 and A606. The Livestock Market offers designated parking areas, with overflow options clearly signposted. Arriving earlier in the day ensures better parking availability.

By Train:
Melton Mowbray Train Station is around a 10-minute walk from the venue, with direct connections from Leicester, Nottingham, and Birmingham.

By Bus:
Regular services operated by Arriva and Centrebus link Melton Mowbray with surrounding towns. Check updated timetables ahead of your visit.

Why Visit the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival?

This isn’t just another food festival – it’s a proper celebration of the region’s food heritage and artisan culture. It’s become one of the UK’s most popular food events and attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to try new foods, meet the passionate producers, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a family looking for a fun day out, or just someone who loves exploring new tastes and places, this festival has something for everyone. And if you’ve had your fill of food, then why not try your hand at some real adrenaline rush at the nearby Silverstone Circuit, the home of British motorsport.

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Why You’ll Love the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2025

1. Over 150 Exceptional Food & Drink Exhibitors

The festival brings together an impressive collection of more than 150 artisans and producers showcasing the very best regional specialities. Expect to discover:

• Handcrafted cheeses
  
• Locally cured meats
  
• Traditional Melton Mowbray pork pies
  
• Artisan breads and pastries
  
• Fresh organic produce
  
• Handmade chocolates and fudge
  
• Small-batch spirits, ciders, wines & more
  

It’s a wonderful chance to meet the makers, enjoy generous tastings, and take home unique treats you simply won’t find on supermarket shelves.

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2. Live Cooking Demonstrations & Tasting Sessions

The demo stage is always a standout attraction, featuring some of the UK’s most talented chefs. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy:

• Live recipe demonstrations using seasonal, local ingredients
  


A Note from Susan

“The East Midlands Food and Drink Festival is a fantastic day out. The local producers are amazing and you can stock up on wonderful food to bring back to The Barn. The kitchen here is designed for exactly that kind of cooking.”

— Susan, Founder of Espais Roca

• Expert tips on food styling, pairing, and presentation
  
• In-depth Q&A sessions
  
• Delicious samples inspired by regional cuisine
  

It’s the perfect blend of education and entertainment for anyone who loves to cook — or simply loves to eat.

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3. The Real Ale & Cider Hall

A festival favourite, this lively space celebrates the East Midlands’ flourishing craft drinks scene. Visitors can:

• Sample real ales, stouts, porters, and IPAs
  
• Try locally pressed ciders and perries
  
• Meet microbrewers and learn about their craft
  
• Purchase bottles, cases, or refillable growlers
  

Whether you’re curious or already a connoisseur, the atmosphere here is friendly, relaxed, and full of flavour.

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4. A Showcase of Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Delights

Inclusivity is at the heart of the festival, with an impressive range of options for every dietary preference. Look out for:

• Plant-based burgers and warming curries
  
• Dairy-free desserts
  
• Gluten-free pizzas, pastries, and pasta
  
• Vegan cheeses and artisanal spreads
  
• Superfood bowls, juices, and smoothie blends
  

No matter your lifestyle or dietary needs, there’s something delicious waiting for you.

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5. Fun Family Entertainment & Hands-On Workshops

The festival offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with activities designed to delight children and adults alike. Expect:

• Face painting and balloon artistry
  
• Kids’ cooking classes and creative food workshops
  
• Interactive learning stations
  
• Live music and family performances
  

It’s the kind of event where children can explore, learn, and play — while adults enjoy incredible food and drink in a relaxed setting.

Signature Flavours to Try at the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2025

The East Midlands is a region that’s built on a rich culinary heritage – and the Food & Drink Festival in Melton Mowbray is the perfect place to taste all the area’s most iconic flavours. From time-honoured local recipes to creative twists on British classics, this festival is a true feast for the senses.

And if you want to experience the real essence of East Midlands cuisine, be sure to try these must-try regional delicacies:

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Local Specialities Not to Miss

Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

You can’t visit Melton Mowbray without trying its legendary pork pies – and that’s exactly what you should do. Enjoy them chilled, with a craft ale or a tangy homemade chutney. Try seeking out artisanal producers such as:

• Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe
  
• Dickinson & Morris
  
• The Melton Charcuterie Co.
  

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Stilton Cheese

Revered as the King of English Cheeses, Stilton is a proud Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire creation. The festival offers the perfect opportunity to taste traditionally crafted PDO-protected Stilton in all its creamy, blue-veined glory.

Try it:

• Crumbled over warm steak salads
  
• Paired with sweet dessert wines
  
• Melted into gourmet sauces or burgers
  

You’ll find an array of Stilton-based treats from local cheese experts — from crackers and pastries to indulgent quiches.

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Rutland Charcuterie

The East Midlands is building a strong reputation for artisan charcuterie – and Rutland Charcuterie Co. are at the forefront of it. Festival favourites often include:

Festival favourites often include:

• Fennel salami
  
• Air-dried beef
  
• Wild venison chorizo
  
• Duck prosciutto
  

Perfect for grazing boards, picnics, or pairing with local wines.

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Grantham Gingerbread

You know about Grantham Gingerbread – the regional treasure that’s been around since the 1700s? It’s a bit of an understated hero of the East Midlands food scene. This lovely butter-free biscuit is light, crisp, and has just the right amount of delicate spice to go with a cuppa at afternoon tea.

You can find all sorts of versions on offer – traditional and modern – like chocolate-dipped, or spiced with fragrant aromatics.

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Lincolnshire Sausages

Hearty, herby, and full of flavour, Lincolnshire sausages are a festival staple. Made with coarsely ground pork and plenty of sage, they’re especially comforting during crisp autumn afternoons.

You’ll also find:

• Tastings from local butchers
  
• Expert cooking tips
  
• Sausages featured in live chef demonstrations
  

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Global Street Food – A World of Flavour

Now, while the local cuisine takes centre stage, don’t forget there’s also loads of international flavours to try. The festival is all about celebrating the region’s cultural diversity, so take a wander through the food stalls and see what catches your eye:

• Fragrant Thai curries and coconut soups
  
• Indian favourites, including samosas, chaat, and masala wraps
  
• Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and Italian pasta
  
• Spanish paella, tapas, and warm churros
  
• Middle Eastern shawarma and grilled halloumi
  

And of course, no festival is complete without sweet indulgences such as crepes, donuts, artisan gelato, and hand-pulled fudge.

Sip, Savour & Discover: The Real Ale & Cider Hall

This is one of the highlights of the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival – the Real Ale & Cider Hall. It brings together the region’s best small-batch breweries and artisan cider makers, so you can sample some of the region’s best craft drinks, meet the passionate producers and discover new flavours to take home with you.

Local Breweries You’ll Want on Your Radar

Expect an excellent variety of independent brewers showcasing everything from crisp, refreshing lagers to characterful pale ales:

• Charnwood Brewery – Loved for clean, easy-drinking lagers and approachable session ales.
  
• Round Corner Brewing – Melton’s award-winning brewery known for innovative re-imagining of classic beer styles.
  
• Oakham Ales – A regional favourite celebrated for their bold, hop-forward pale ales.
  
• The Grainstore Brewery – Rutland’s finest, offering rich, malty brews that have become festival staples.
  

Exceptional Cider from the East Midlands

For cider lovers, the hall offers an impressive line-up of traditional and contemporary makers:

• Saxby’s Cider – A Northamptonshire family cidery using 100% English apples to craft beautifully balanced blends.
  
• Hogan’s Cider – Known for robust, full-flavoured ciders ranging from still and traditional to sparkling varieties.
  

You’ll also find small-batch gins, English wines, and even mead — perfect for those who enjoy exploring beyond beer and cider.

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Live Demos & Chef Masterclasses

It’s not just about great food and drink – the festival’s all about showing off the craft and passion that goes into creating them. Throughout the weekend, the main kitchen theatre’s got a packed schedule of live demonstrations and interactive masterclasses, so whether you’re a seasoned chef or just a foodie, you’ll love it.

What to Expect

• Expert butchery and sausage-making
  
• Artisan bread and pastry demonstrations
  
• Plant-based recipe showcases
  
• Seasonal cooking tips
  
• Foraging and how to incorporate wild ingredients
  
• Hands-on cooking sessions and tastings
  

Guest Chefs & Culinary Talent

Look out for appearances from regional culinary stars such as:

• Rachel Green – BBC chef and champion of local East Midlands produce
  
• Joe Hurd – Popular ITV chef known for bringing a modern twist to classic dishes
  
• Emerging chefs from local culinary colleges, offering a fresh take on traditional techniques
  

If you’d like to join a hands-on masterclass, be sure to arrive early — these sessions fill up quickly.

Tickets & Helpful Booking Tips

Planning a visit to the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival couldn’t be easier. The event’s designed to be welcoming, accessible, and great value – making it perfect for families, couples, and solo visitors looking for a taste of the region’s best flavours.

Here’s a guide to the expected ticket prices for 2025 (final details to be confirmed):

Ticket Type	Advance Price	On the Door
Adult Day Pass	£7–£10	£12
Children (under 16)	FREE	FREE
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 kids)	£20–£25	£30
Weekend Pass (2-day access)	£15–£18	£20

Smart Booking Tips for a Smooth Festival Experience

• Reserve online through the official site to skip the queues and take advantage of early-bird pricing.
  
• Check the programme in advance, as certain tastings and workshops may require pre-registration or small additional fees.
  
• Arrive early, especially on peak days, to secure convenient parking and enjoy relaxed browsing before crowds build.

Entertainment, Live Music & a Laid-Back Festival Vibe

While food and drink may be the headline attractions, the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2025 delivers so much more than culinary discovery. The entire weekend has the feel of a relaxed, open-air celebration — a place where great flavours meet great company, and Melton Mowbray’s historic market grounds come alive with music, performance, and easygoing festival charm.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a full weekend of it, there’s always something happening to keep the mood light and joyful.

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Live Music Throughout the Day

Against the backdrop of all the food stalls and the hum of festival life, the live music is the perfect soundtrack – catch some mellow acoustic sets to get you started in the morning or get your afternoon going with some more upbeat folk,jazz or modern covers.

Previous years have welcomed:

• Talented acoustic artists from across the region
  
• Folk and blues bands offering laid-back, feel-good melodies
  
• Upbeat cover groups performing familiar favourites
  

It’s the kind of atmosphere where you can settle in with a drink, enjoy the sunshine, and simply let the moments unfold.

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Cultural Performances & Dance

Adding even more colour to the weekend, the festival frequently hosts a variety of dance and cultural showcases. These performances offer a wonderful sense of place and community spirit, with past highlights including:

• Traditional English Morris dancers
  
• Local children’s dance academies
  
• Vibrant world dance troupes—from salsa to Bollywood
  

They bring movement, rhythm, and an extra layer of excitement to the festival grounds — ideal for families and anyone who loves a bit of unexpected artistry.

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Family-Friendly Entertainment

Alongside the music and cultural performances, you’ll also find plenty of light-hearted entertainment for younger visitors, such as:

• Walkabout performers, stilt walkers, and jugglers
  
• Face painting and balloon artists
  
• Storytelling corners and mini puppet shows
  

It all comes together to create a relaxed, inclusive family atmosphere — the kind where children can play, adults can explore, and everyone feels part of the celebration.

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Where to Stay Near the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival

After a full day of tastings, live entertainment, and culinary inspiration, you’ll want somewhere calm and comfortable to retreat to. The surrounding area is home to several inviting places to stay, including peaceful countryside properties and boutique-style lodges — ideal for recharging before another day of festival fun.

Top Pick: The Barn – A Refined Countryside Hideaway for Families and Friends

Located in the heart of the East Midlands, The Barn offers a beautifully reimagined blend of rustic character and contemporary comfort. Originally a Victorian stable, this spacious countryside retreat sits within a peaceful private estate near Market Harborough—making it an ideal escape for families, friends, or couples looking for a refined rural base during the East Midlands Food & Drink Festival.

Why Guests Love Staying at The Barn

Idyllic Countryside Setting
Surrounded by rolling fields and scenic walking routes, it’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and savour uninterrupted views.

Space for Everyone
With two thoughtfully designed bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, the Loft sleeps up to six guests plus two infants—ideal for group breaks and family getaways.

Designed With Families in Mind
Baby cots, highchairs, books, toys, and child-friendly tableware make travelling with little ones effortless.

Entertainment for All Ages
Unwind with Netflix or Disney+, enjoy a game night with classic board games, or dive into Xbox adventures—there’s something for everyone.

Sustainable, Comfortable Living
Solar power, filtered well water, and eco-conscious design ensure your stay is both luxurious and environmentally mindful.

Perfectly Positioned for Exploring
Only a short drive from Melton Mowbray, Leicester, Northampton, and Silverstone—ideal for festival visits or broader East Midlands adventures.

Whether you’re here for the Food & Drink Festival or simply to enjoy a relaxing countryside break, The Barn delivers a seamless blend of tranquillity, style, and modern convenience.

Book your stay: marketharboroughholidaybarn.co.uk