MADE FOR FOOD And drink lovers
13, 14 & 15 September 2024
The Original Food & Drink Festival
A Taste of the Marches Region at a Food & Drink Festival like no other
Experience the ‘original’ food and drink festival at Ludlow Marches Food and Drink – The Festival. We’re celebrating 30 years of the festival from 13th – 15th September with a dynamic programme of live cooking demonstrations, fire stage, trails, late sessions, workshops, children’s activities and talks from international chefs, producers and experts alike. Ludlow is synonymous with food and drink excellence and we showcase the finest produce from the Marches region.
WHAT'S ON AT THE FESTIVAL
Live chef demos, talks and workshops to inspire you
Enjoy over 50 hours of talks, demonstrations and workshops across three stages and around the castle, from fire cooking to hands-on kitchen skills and Slow Food. Internationally renowned chefs and food writers take to the stages alongside skilled local producers revealing the secrets behind their dishes and produce. We’re also hosting a live fire cooking competition which is sure to ignite the imagination!
Demonstrations
Get close to the action with live cookery demonstrations from a line-up of talented chefs
Talks
Discover the inspiring stories of chefs, food writers and artisan food & drink producers, with opportunities for book signings
Fire stage
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our Fire Stage in the Inner Bailey, where our chefs rustle up a storm as they cook on the fire bowls
Workshops
Participate in the Slow Food Taste Workshops led by expert producers or chefs, or get hands-on with craft and food and drink workshops
Leather Key Ring Making with Risdon & Risdon
'Sauce Me. Spice Me. Infuse Me' with Chef Natalie Jenkins - Slow Food Taste Workshop
'Havenhills Field & Kitchen - Shropshire’s little secret!' - Slow Food Taste Workshop
'Made the Shropshire Way' - Slow Food Taste Workshop
Cheese & Wine Workshops
'Cider & Perry Makers from the Marches' - Slow Food Taste Workshop
Extra Events
Fancy dining outside the castle, taking a tour around Ludlow Brewery or enjoying our after-hours evenings in the castle?
Meet our Exhibitors and Vendors
The best festival shopping from our independent, artisan food & drink producers
Explore artisan food and drinks producers exclusive to the Marches region. Stock up on favourites and discover new tastes. From delicatessen, baked and preserved produce, to dairy, meat, vegetarian, snacks, and kitchen accessories.
Fire Stage
The British Live Fire Cooking Championships
Live at Ludlow Food Festival this new national competition kicks off with three contestants battling it out to be crowned the British Live Fire Cooking Champion and will gain automatic entry into the World Food Championships in the USA.
For little food festival visitors
Children’s activities to inspire the next generation of chefs
Enjoy FREE children’s activities, suitable for all ages, at Ludlow Food Festival. Dive into the history of food with hands on activities and explore the Festival by taking part in our trails.
Discover the taste of Ludlow
Explore the streets of Ludlow as you embark on a tour of our best producers
Embark on trails and discover the taste of Ludlow as you explore the town synonymous with food and drink excellence. Place your votes to help us decide who serves up the best!
Slow Food Garden
Explore the Slow Food Garden
This year Slow Food have a dedicated area, the ‘Slow Food Garden’ which will have sixteen Slow Food businesses showcasing what they produce, a Slow Food Bar, plus their esteemed full programme of Taste Workshops.
Day turns to Night at The Festival
Feasting, music and fun in Ludlow Castle after dark
Experience the atmosphere of the Castle by night with our after-hours events. Featuring live DJ sets, cocktails and street food all lit up by the flickering of the fire bowls.
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters
Three fantastic festivals
13, 14 & 15 September 2024
Showcasing independent food and drink producers from the Marches. Embracing contemporary food trends & innovations.
10, 11 & 12 May 2024
Barrels of real ale, live music, talks, food and drink, kids' activities and a host of classic vehicles.
Sunday 10 August 2025
Ramble through the rolling countryside surrounding Ludlow and enjoy delicious food and drink from the region's producers.