A celebration of Local Delicacies and Culinary Talent
Get ready for spectacular food, sparkling drinks, and hopefully sunshine! The renowned Banbury Food & Drink Festival makes its highly anticipated return on Sunday, 20th August. With an irresistible blend of locally sourced food and drink, this annual celebration is an unmissable day in the culinary calendar.
Steeped in tradition, the Banbury Food & Drink Festival pays homage to the remarkable range of high-quality products created in our beloved town and the surrounding regions. Offering visitors a rich selection of artisanal foods, local brews, and unique beverages, this event is a testament to the vibrant food and drink scene in Banbury.
This year, the festival promises to be more exciting than ever with the addition of Master Chef of Great Britain, Paul Da-Costa-Greaves, to the line-up. More than just a chef, Paul is a culinary maestro. His extraordinary talent and creativity are only matched by his warmth and charm. With his colourful personality and innovative cooking style, Paul transforms everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Food lovers can eagerly look forward to Paul’s live cooking demonstrations at 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. These interactive sessions promise tantalising recipes and expert tips, offering a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. So, remember to keep your notepads handy!
Set within the picturesque backdrop of our historic Market Place, extending beyond the Town Hall, the festival will run from 10:30 to 16:30. Over 70 artisan traders will display a tantalising range of produce for sampling and purchase. These independent producers, many of whom specialise in goods you won’t find in your average supermarket, epitomise the richness of English food and drink.
The festival isn’t just a feast for your taste buds. Adding to the lively atmosphere, an impressive roster of local artists, including Thomas Pearce, Mr.Bigglesworth, Beau Norton, Chris and Hannah Tobin, and Caroline Nevin, will offer live music throughout the day. The Town Sparks will bring the day’s festivities to a harmonious close.
Join in for an alfresco Sunday brunch or lunch, but remember the top tip: explore all the stalls before deciding what to feast on. You wouldn’t want to miss out on any hidden culinary gems!
Following the splendid success of the Party in the Park event in May, the Banbury Food & Drink Festival is yet another highlight in the line-up of community events in Banbury. The historic town of Banbury is proud to host a variety of activities throughout the year, ensuring something for everyone.
There is much to look forward to in the second half of the year, on the 2nd of September there is Emergency Services Day at Spiceball Park between 9.30 and 15.30. On this day the emergency services will take centre stage advising on how to use the services responsibly and providing brilliant learning experiences on basic lifesaving skills. There will also be a chance to learn about the many career and volunteering opportunities that are available within these vital organisations.
Also in September, the Battle of Britain parade will take place on the 17th between 10.30 and 12.30. Starting in the High Street and finishing with a service in St Mary’s Church.
The Banbury Canal Festival is on the horizon, set for the weekend of 30th September and 1st October. Promising a fun-filled weekend for all, the festival will offer a wealth of activities, live music, food and drink, alongside the chance to delve into the fascinating history of the canal. Look out for more on this in the next edition of ‘Read This Magazine,’ but for now, save the dates!
Later in the year, the Remembrance Sunday Parade takes place on the 12th of November. The year comes to a close with the Christmas Lights Switch On event on the 26th of November from 11.00 to 18.00 in the Market Place. Banbury will light up for the festive season, this will be another brilliant day for all the family with live music, food, entertainment and of course Father Christmas! The event will be wrapped up with a blast of fireworks.
Join in and raise a toast to Banbury’s flourishing food scene and thriving community spirit. The Banbury Food & Drink Festival invites you to indulge, learn, and celebrate in our historic town and hope can attend the other great events throughout the year.
Bon appétit, Banbury!
