Organisers of the seventh Ilkley Food and Drink Festival this weekend [13/14 June] have shared the complete festival programme.
Located on East Holmes Field, the festival is open 10am-8pm on Saturday and 10am-7pm on Sunday, and for the first time in the event’s history, four different live stages run throughout both days of the event.
At the Main Stage, a variety of local soloists, community groups and bands perform both eccentric covers and original tracks. Two of the region’s leading tribute acts are also set to headline the evenings, with Planet ABBA (Saturday, 17:45) and The Boss and The Beeston Street Band (Sunday, 17:15) scheduled to perform.
In the Live Cookery Theatre, Yorkshire Food Guide hosts live demonstrations guided by independent business owners, acclaimed head chefs, and Michelin Guide-recognised specialists. Highlights include Adam Maddock (Saltmoore), Shane Zhao (Wood Hall Hotel & Spa) and Terra Sarda Wines.
At the Live Entertainers Stage, Matthew J Magic, Kay Dyson and Graeme Shaw perform family magic, circus and comedy shows between 11:00 - 16:00. Attendees are further invited to free circus skills workshops during the breaks in between each set.
In partnership with Pure Pet Food is the brand-new Sizzling Showdown Arena, a series of free, interactive live shows hosted by renowned comedian Neil Frost. The arena begins with The Foodie Olympics, featuring Sports Day-inspired races and mini-games. Afterwards, Wally Woof’s Family Dog Show invites attendees and their pets to try and win-over the crowd, before The Chilli Challenge tests the nerve of brave competitors in a knock-out format chilli eating contest. Barry Bingo closes out the arena with Pies Down, Eyes Down Bingo, giving festival-goers the opportunity to win an eclectic mix of prizes from local traders.
In celebration of their seventh annual event, organisers have promised their most diverse family activities and entertainment programme to date.
Inflatable Banana Jousting tests the balance and determination of competitive festival-goers, while The Yorkshire Countryman hosts live ferret racing. Elsewhere, families can explore the cornerstone attractions of the event by embarking on the Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt, or sit back and get creative with complimentary colouring books in the Scribble Tent.
Alternatively, stilt walkers, comedy acts and Homecoming Brass Band roam around the festival grounds interacting with attendees, offering both family photos and live performances.
[Simon Chappelow of Leeds Cookery School at The Ilkley Food & Drink Festival 2023 - Credit – Stephen Midgely Breakpoint Media]
Independent street food and dessert vendors from across Yorkshire serve global flavours, classic dishes and delicacies from Malaysia, Greece, China, Italy, Sri Lanka, America, India, Brazil and more.
A Full Ale House, in partnership with Vocation Brewery, offers lagers and IPAs on draught, while 10 different independent bars serve soft drinks, fresh lemonade, ciders, cocktails, moonshine, spritz, prosecco, spirits and wine.
Packed Artisan Markets showcase a vibrant mix of goods from independent businesses, entrepreneurs and artisans, with examples including sweets, cheeses, honey, baked goods, oils, jewellery, accessories, homeware, sauces, and coffee.
Bradford Mind will be in attendance as the festival's primary charity partner, raising awareness and support for those facing mental health difficulties. Through the generosity of attendees, organisers hope to build on the £176,000 collectively raised for Mind charities to date.
For more information, including the activities programme, the full vendor line up, final release tickets and updates, visit: www.ilkleyfoodfestival.com
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