The Leicester Food Festival is set to return to Abbey Park on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August, offering a weekend of street food, live music, and family activities.
Now in its second year, the festival has gained national attention, including recognition from The Sun as one of the UK’s most affordable summer events. Organisers say this year’s edition will feature a wider range of attractions, food vendors, and entertainment.
Picture credit: Leicester Food Festival
Live music will be a central feature of the weekend, with tribute acts including Queen by Mercury, Steptastic (a Steps tribute), Stereosonics (Stereophonics), and MacBusted, a mash-up tribute to McFly and Busted. Leicester’s own EAGA Gospel Choir, known from Britain’s Got Talent, will also perform, along with various local musicians and bands.
The event will include other entertainment such as Drag Bingo, a children’s science show from the National Space Centre team, and a mix of family activities including a skate park, climbing wall, and graffiti art workshops.
More than 50 food traders are scheduled to attend, with cuisine ranging from smash burgers and Jamaican barbecue to Japanese bento boxes and artisan desserts. Festival organisers also promise a wide selection of drinks, including craft beer, cocktails, milkshakes, and bubble tea.
A Gin Garden and a retro Hooch Truck are among the new additions for 2025. Wine tasting sessions, hosted by local account @thewinefan, will return, although spaces are limited.
The festival will again feature the Midlands Makers Market, highlighting independent makers and small businesses from the region. Stonehurst Farm will bring a petting area and other child-friendly attractions.
Live cooking demonstrations are also on the schedule, led by TV chef Kwoklyn Wan, in partnership with Leicester Restaurant Week and BID Leicester. Visitors will have the chance to enter a prize draw for a £250 restaurant voucher.
The event will raise funds for Open Hands Food Bank, a Leicester-based organisation supporting local families. It is also backed by Visit Leicester’s “Taste The Place” campaign, which aims to promote the city’s food and drink scene.
Festival Director Paul said the event is intended to offer something for a wide audience.
“We’ve aimed to make this year’s festival even more inclusive, with activities for families, food enthusiasts, and music fans alike,” he said.
Entry details and ticket information are available via the festival’s official website and social media channels.
