The York Food Festival is returning to the city with a three-day celebration of all things foodie.
Normally a ten-day event, this year the festival is confined to a weekend and will be taking place on Parliament Street from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September.
The full food festival is expected to make a return in 2021 but this year’s short-but-sweet version is still serving up a packed menu of activities, specially adapted for the circumstances.
To whet your palette here’s a little taste of what to expect for this year’s food festival.
Demos, tastings and produce
Bring your shopping bag to the Produce Market and check out a range of the best producers from York and the surrounding areas.
Take a look into the Demonstration Tent and see a number of the region’s top chefs demonstrate their skills, including Andrew Pern from The Star at Harome and The Star Inn the City, Steph Moon, and Neil Bentinck from Bib Gourmand-holding Skosh.
There will also be the opportunity to learn more about new York eateries The Larder Club and Yuzu.
And of course there are the Tastings! Showcasing the best of local producers, learn more about York Gin, indulge in cocktails from Fancy Hanks, pair wine and cheese with Love Cheese or if you’re more of a sweet tooth, check out all things chocolate with York Cocoa Works.
The popular Taste Trail will still be going ahead, but an adapted version this year that will be centred at Tasting Hubs around the city centre.
There’s also the opportunity to get hands-on with the Food Factory. Learn how a range of foods are made and the processes that go into some of the staples that we know and love.
Keeping safe
York Food Festival organisers say they have approached the event with Covid safety first and foremost.
Al activities have been adapted to meet government guidelines and in conjunction with City of York Council.
Specific safety measures will include:
- Best practice guidance issued to all traders in advance of event
- Signage directing best practice to event attendees
- Track and trace information collection
- Provision of hand sanitiser where appropriate
- Social distancing built into event by layout of tables and chairs, with table service in bar area
- Staff to remind attendees to follow best social distancing practice
- Enhanced cleaning in event spaces
- Contactless payment encouraged
- Detailed staff training on Covid best practice.
Ticket information for events will be available from today (Tuesday 15 September), and pre-booking is encouraged as Covid restrictions place a limit on the numbers available for some activities.
For more information about tickets and the festival programme please visit the York Food Festival website.