Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival returns this weekend

Food lovers are invited to taste the world without leaving Suffolk’s Foodie Capital as the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival returns to the town centre this Bank Holiday weekend.

Taking place on Sunday and Monday, August 30 and 31, the free-entry festival will bring two days of food, drink, entertainment and family fun to the town, with thousands of visitors expected to enjoy everything the town has to offer.

Running from 10am to 5pm on both days, the festival will transform the Cornhill, the Buttermarket, Angel Hill and Charter Square at the Arc Shopping Centre into a celebration of flavours from around the world, alongside the very best of Suffolk’s food and drink.

One of the highlights will be the popular Chefs on Stage Cookery Theatre, taking place outside Moyse’s Hall Museum.

Visitors can watch some of Bury St Edmunds’ best-loved chefs, food and drink experts and local businesses take to the stage for live demonstrations covering everything from cooking and cocktails to wine and sustainability.

Taking part are independent businesses including 1921, Bellota, Bay Tree Café, PrimaVista, ICE, and Wine and Dine, alongside chefs from award-winning national restaurant brand Giggling Squid.

Chef and sustainability champion Rowen Halstead from Waste Not Rowen will also share practical tips on reducing food waste, while drinks and wine experts from The Wine Cellar, Vino Gusto and The Angel will offer demonstrations and expert insights.

The Cookery Theatre is free to watch, with demonstrations taking place throughout both festival days.

Mark Cordell, the chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: “The Food and Drink Festival is all about bringing people together through great food and celebrating the fantastic businesses we have here in Bury St Edmunds.

“With food and drink from 16 countries, live demonstrations, fantastic local producers and plenty of free family entertainment, there really is something for everyone this Bank Holiday weekend.

“The Chefs on Stage Cookery Theatre is a great opportunity to meet the talented people behind our restaurants, cafés, bars and food businesses, hear their stories and pick up ideas to take home.

“Whether you’re a keen home cook, a foodie or simply looking for a great day out, we look forward to welcoming you.”

Alongside the live cookery demonstrations, visitors can enjoy food and drink representing 16 countries, with a wide variety of stalls across the Cornhill and the Buttermarket.

There will also be a traditional Farmers’ Market on Angel Hill, while families can enjoy free children’s activities at the Arc Shopping Centre, including big games, children’s magic workshops and face painting. Pay-per-go fairground rides will also be available.

Children’s entertainment will take place in the Cornhill and the Buttermarket, including balloon modelling and magic tricks.

The expanded international offering will give visitors the chance to sample cuisines from across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and beyond, alongside local produce and independent businesses — making it the perfect opportunity to “taste the world” in Bury St Edmunds.

The Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival takes place from 10am to 5pm on Sunday and Monday, August 30 and 31.

For the latest programme and information, visit www.ourburystedmunds.com/events/food-drink-festival