The summer holidays are here, and families are in for a treat with the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival, promising a delightful experience filled with mouthwatering cuisine, thrilling activities, and unforgettable moments. Taking place from the 21st to the 23rd of July 2023 at Funkirk Farm Skipton, this three-day extravaganza is set to be the most family-friendly event of its kind.
With an array of activities and attractions, this festival guarantees entertainment for everyone, and the best part is that most of the activities are free! Kids can explore their culinary skills at the kid’s cookery school, make new furry friends at the petting farm, build sandcastles until sunset, get crafty at the kid’s craft tent, or enjoy a thrilling ride on farmer John’s Mini tractors. For those with energy to burn, the Soccer Hub and Kanga Sports sessions offer a chance to get active, while the fun fair boasts a variety of exhilarating rides. The day can be topped off by dancing the night away (until bedtime) at the mini disco.
Young aspiring artists can try their hand at chocolate making sessions with York Cocoa Works or join the Yorkshire Dales Bushcraft session to learn how to create wooden gifts. Mini green-thumb enthusiasts can participate in Willsow Paint and Plant’s workshop, where they will learn how to paint a plant pot and fill it with wildflowers. Adults looking to tap into their creativity can join Softpots’ demonstration on upcycling and creating sustainable planters.
While the festival caters to children, adults will also find plenty of enjoyment. The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival proudly presents four celebrity chefs in its big top kitchen: James Martin, the Hairy Bikers, and Gino D’Acampo, all hailing from Yorkshire. With over 300 workshops and masterclasses, as well as 50+ celebrity and Michelin chef demonstrations, attendees will be spoilt for choice when planning their weekend.
Anchor, a beloved family favorite, will sponsor the dessert stage and operate the Anchor Café, offering delicious buttered crumpets and wraps for all to sample. Visitors can also visit the mixology stage, headlined by Belvoir, to indulge in refreshing summer tipples while basking in the festival spirit.
With over 300 stall holders offering artisan goods and delectable food and beverages, festival-goers will have no shortage of shopping opportunities to find that perfect takeaway treat or unique item to bring home.
Entertainment-wise, attendees can look forward to live performances by top tribute bands, DJ sets by Gok Wan and Pat Sharp, and the legendary Brutus Gold’s Love Train, ensuring an unforgettable musical experience throughout the festival.
The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival aims to provide exceptional value, with free entry for children aged 0 to 7 and a weekend camping spot for a family of four available for under £190, including admission to the festival for two adults.
Founder Rachael Higgins, a mother of three, understands the challenges of keeping children entertained during the summer break. Her vision was to create an event that caters to everyone’s interests while offering genuine value. With 70 percent of this year’s ticket sales coming from repeat customers, it seems that the festival is successfully fulfilling this goal.
As the largest event of its kind in the UK, the family-owned Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival goes beyond a traditional food and drink festival. With a wide range of activities and attractions, visitors are sure to be spoiled for choice and return year after year. Whether it’s participating in workshops and masterclasses or simply indulging in the delectable offerings, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
For more information about the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival and to book tickets, visit www.yorkshiredalesfoodanddrinkfestival.com.
