I might be slightly biased, but I think Devon has some of the best food and drink in the country. Our fantastic restaurants, hotels and suppliers get to use the most wonderful produce in their recipes and products. We showcase the taste of our region with some must-visit food festivals this autumn.… make sure you bring your appetite.
Ashburton Food & Drink Festival
8th September 2018
This September, on the outskirts of Dartmoor, Ashburton hosts a feast for the taste buds. Now into its eighth year, you’ll find over 65 stalls lining the streets with live music, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings all coming together to create an unmissable carnival atmosphere. The organisers have made it easy for everyone to enjoy this free event by providing a Park & Ride service throughout the day from South Dartmoor College. It really is a fun-filled day not to be missed.
Plymouth Seafood Festival
15th and 16th September
A weekend full of celebration awaits at the annual Plymouth Seafood Festival. As well as tempting food stalls, you can chat to local fishermen about their time at sea and compete in crabbing and cardboard boat building competitions. The kids will love it.
Abbfest
21st – 23rd September 2018
You’re sure to have fun at this year’s Abbfest. Craft tents, food demonstrations, live music and over 200 locally sourced beers and ciders will keep the whole family entertained for hours. In its fourteenth year, this wonderful festival raises money for local charities and is run by a fantastic team of volunteers. The free Abbfest bus will be running again this year, and you’ll also find plenty of parking onsite.
The Great Food & Drink Show
22nd and 23rd September 2018
There are some big names heading to The Great Food & Drink Show at Westpoint this September, including Tom Kerridge, Jean Christophe Novellie and Polly Guy. You’ll be spoilt for choice with cake demonstrations and a huge variety of local food and drink.
Taste of the Teign Food and Drink Festival
22nd – 30th September 2018
A weekend is just not long enough to sample everything the wonderful Teign Estuary has to offer, that’s why this festival lasts a whole week. You can sample wonderful local seafood, jams, cakes and gins. To round off the festival, there’s a big celebration weekend on the seafront with food exhibitors and live music.
England’s Seafood Feast
22nd September – 7th October 2018
This two-week feast is a celebration of the fantastic seafood that can be found around the shores of the English Riviera. Restaurants, cafes and attractions will be offering tantalising menus to showcase the produce that comes into Brixham’s fish market every day.
Powderham Food Festival
6th & 7th October 2018
With a backdrop as impressive as Powderham Castle, you know this will be a festival to remember. With over 150 exhibitors showcasing the best of South West food and drink, along with gifts, homeware, live music and local chefs, you’re in for a real foodie treat. You can also explore the grounds of this wonderful setting, and take in the views of the beautiful Exe Estuary.
Dartmouth Food Festival
19th – 21st October 2018
A highlight of the South West’s foodie calendar and free for all to enjoy, the Dartmouth Food Festival continues to grow. The town is transformed into a foodie wonderland packed full of delicious local produce, not forgetting some great restaurants and cafes, too.
Clovelly Herring Festival
18th November
This pretty Devon village once depended on these tasty fish, so for one day each year, the town comes together to celebrate. They’ll be plenty of opportunity to sample the catch of the day, along with street entertainment, food stalls and live music.
Exeter Chocolate Festival
25th November
This is the festival’s first year and I can’t wait! From tastings (yes!) to make-your-own workshops, it’ll be a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s the perfect time of year to pick up some fantastic Christmas presents from local suppliers.
