In the old days in early autumn feasts were organized in honor of the new crop. They have revived these ancient traditions in the UK. Gastronomic festivals are held throughout the country in September and October. Here are the most popular ones:
Abergavenny, Culinary Festival
September 19-20
These are great days for all gourmets of Wales. One can try a variety of Welsh food production in the 170 kiosks, to taste chocolate and cider from the best manufacturers, visit the master classes by renowned chefs, including lessons on preparing famous Wales’s pancakes.
Manchester, food and drink festival
1-12 October
Although the festival lasts more than a week, travelers are unlikely to go around all the 100 sites scattered across the city. The square of St. Anne and the Northern Quarter are surely worth visiting. A wine festival will take place on October 2. Those who hold out at this festival of gluttony before October 10 will have the opportunity to participate in the festival of whiskey and try samples of this noble drink, made in Japan, the United States and even in India.
London, Market of leisurely meal
Dates may change
The word “slow” is completely not suitable for describing the British capital, and yet, every autumn in London “market of leisurely meal” at the Southbank Centre is opened. The first tents have already been opened in the past weekend. The market will still exist in 18-20 September. Do not worry if you do not have time to come to the UK on these dates: market will be open for another three weeks in a row – on the weekends. Here you can buy products from around the world: Scallops from Dorset, oysters from the Mersey, the exotic mixture from the Levant.
Liverpool, Food Festival
13-20 September
If you hurry, you can still take part in the gastronomic festival in Liverpool. This year the festival is held for the second time. It is attended by 50 leading bars and restaurants. During the week they offer various discounts and special thematic menu, such as “Fish Friday”, “Local organic food.” Those who visited the park on September 13 in Sefton, had the opportunity to try all at once.
Nottingham, food and drinks festival
September 16-20
This month, Nottingham holds its first festival. In addition to tasting products in 30 booths scattered throughout the streets of the city, guests should visit the festival at the Market Square, where the master classes of renowned chefs and the presentations of the best products of local producers take place. Here “Cocktail session” and tasting of beer just for women will be held.
York, food and drinks festival
18-27 September
If last year’s festival was dedicated to the raw food diet, then, this year the main theme will be “simple food”. Among other notable innovations like “wine sessions” and “chocolate fair” are included in the program. Men should stick closer to the Ale Trail, where 200 best pubs of York will present their products.
Pembrokeshire, Culinary Festival
September 26-27
This gastronomic festival is intended for those who want to learn how to do a perfect roll natto-maki, to win the competition for the best pudding, but at the same time to drain a glass of local wine while listening to live music performed by street artists.
Suffolk, food and drinks festival
26 September-4 October
All about local food and beverages can be learned on the festival, which will be held in the county of Suffolk for the fourth time. Celebration will take place not only in the central streets, which will bring together over 70 participants, but also in shops, farms, breweries of the East Suffolk.
Shetland, Shetland Culinary Festival
2-11 October
If distances do not frighten you, it is worth to go to the beautiful Shetland Islands; where in early October the second Food Festival will be held. Here, you can see not only the best seafood and meat of the highest quality, but also taste local delicacies such as cakes of algae and black potatoes.
Cumbria, Kendal Culinary Festival
October 24-31
These days, local cooking schools, wine shops and farms open their doors to all visitors. First of all, during the culinary festival you can learn everything about the production of the best sausages and burgers, to see how coffee is roasted, taste organic wines.
Cardiff, Cheese Festival
September 26-27
Lovers of cheese are waiting in Cardiff Castle at the end of September, where all interested persons will be able to see products from sheep, cow, and goat, buffalo milk, listen to the lectures on the cheese, and taste the cheese-winners of international competitions.
Herefordshire, Big Apple
October 10-11
Every year since 1989, in September, Herefordshire community honors the modest local fruit – an apple. Organizers offer to taste the best English varieties, taste the apple juice, cider, pies, apple filling, and drive a bike in the great apple-pear orchards of the county.
