The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival returns to Ripley Castle this month, featuring international food and drink, cooking demonstrations and live music.
Everything you need to know about return of Harrogate Food and Drink Festival The annual Harrogate Food and Drink Festival is all set to return to Ripley Castle on Bank Holiday weekend. The festival brings an array of international food and drink, chef demonstrations, entertainment and live music. And it's all set for a return to its original date and venue on Chapel Flatts, next to Ripley Cricket Club. Here's everything you need to know... When and where? The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival will be returning to Ripley Castle on Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August. It will start at 10am on all three days before closing at 8pm on Saturday, 7pm on Sunday and 6pm on Monday. Some of the artisan market stalls may close from 5pm. [caption id="attachment_67631" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival returns this month.[/caption] What can visitors to the festival expect? • International Street Food and Drink Some of the best Street Food traders in the UK will be offering a variety of delicious dishes and tastes from around the world. Almost all of the festival's traders also caters for vegans. And to wash it all down, there's also set to be eight independent bars at the festival, with a variety of beers, champagne, cocktails and mocktails. • Free Cooking Demonstrations The festival's free chef demonstrations with Leeds Cookery School will return this year. There will be a Live Cookery Theatre on both days, with some of the region's best chefs preparing to "cook up a storm." [caption id="attachment_67626" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] An array of international food and drink will be on offer.[/caption] • Fine Artisan Markets As with previous years, visitors will be able to check out the wide variety of wares provided by market stallholders. There's set to be everything from fudge and brownies to cured meats and cheese. • Live Music A number of popular tribute bans will be performing including ABBA on Saturday 26th, Ellie Goulding on Sunday 27th and Robbie Williams on Monday 28th August. [caption id="attachment_67628" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Children's entertainment at Harrogate Food and Drink Festival.[/caption] Disabled Access Disabled access toilets will be available, as the festival is predominantly on flat grassland. If you have any questions or suggestions for the festival team, contact them at info@harrogatefoodfestival.com Dogs Dogs are very welcome at the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival! The organisers have just ask for them to be kept on a lead and any mess to be cleaned up, as well as being mindful of other attendees and their pets. Travel By Car: There is free on site parking available. By Bus: The bus number 36 stops directly outside the event site and links the event to Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds. By Train: Harrogate has very good train links. From Harrogate Train Station, the festival is connected by the bus number 36, which stops directly outside the festival site. [caption id="attachment_67625" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Children enjoying the festivities at Harrogate Food and Drink Festival.[/caption] Is the festival covered? Parts of the festival are covered, but it's advised to bring appropriate clothing, sun block and umbrellas. Can I bring my own furniture? Yes, folding chairs, tables etc are most welcome. Please take these home with you when you leave. Can I bring my own food and drink? Outside food and drink is not permitted on site, with the exceptions of baby food. [caption id="attachment_67629" align="alignnone" width="1024"] International street food will be available from the UK's best street food vendors.[/caption] Can we leave the festival and come back in? Yes – just make sure you obtain a stamp/wristband from the entrance, otherwise you may be refused re-entry. Can I buy tickets on the day? Yes, it may just take a couple minutes longer to get in to the festival. Tickets can still be bought online during the festival weekend and we highly encourage this. If you'd like to go for half price - grab yourself a Your Harrogate voucher here. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.