12-06-2025
Everything you need to know about the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival
Food, music, and family fun are all on the menu as a festival returns to Ilkley for its sixth year.
The Ilkley Food and Drink Festival is set to take place this weekend (June 14 and 15) on the Ilkley Riverside (East Holmes Field).
Michael Johnston, festival director, said: "Final preparations are underway for this weekend, and we're incredibly excited to showcase what we've been working towards.
"With brand-new features, refreshed lineups, and a wonderful selection of vendors, there are all of the ingredients for our most vibrant event yet."
New activities
Among the new attractions for 2025 are 'Roaming Bubble Performers,' as well as other forms of pop-up entertainment.
There will be a Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt, and families can try their hand at the Foodie Olympics, which features food and drink-inspired challenges in a Sports Day format.
Food and drink
The Street Food Arena will feature what a spokesperson described as "some of the North's top independent street food and dessert vendors," including Yorkshire Crackling Hog Roast, Birria Bandits, and 7 Star Flag.
Festivalgoers can expect international cuisine from the likes of Germany, Japan, India, Venezuela, and Italy.
The Artisan Markets will showcase homeware, art, jewellery, beverages, handmade crafts, and sweet and savoury treats from businesses such as Yorkshire Mushroom Emporium Ltd, Hebden Bridge Gin, and The Great British Cheese Company.
A Full Ale House, run in partnership with Vocation Brewery, will sit alongside nine independent bars, including Gilli's Gin Tin and Reggae Rum Shack.
Live entertainment
Each ticket includes access to three live stages running throughout the weekend.
The music stage will feature 14 performances, including The Voice UK's Rachel Modest with The Motown Gospel Choir, as well as choirs, soloists, bands - and Liam Gray as Robbie Williams.
The Live Cookery Theatre, in partnership with Yorkshire Food Guide, will host eight demonstrations from culinary figures, including MasterChef's Owen Diaram and The Great British Menu's Bobby Geetha.
Darren Mac, The Magic Matt Show, Michael Jordan, and Matthew J Magic will host 12 performing arts shows, including comedy, family magic, and interactive circus workshops.
Charity and further attractions
Other attractions include Sage Ayurvedic wellness sessions, kids' cooking classes, airsoft, axe throwing, face painting, a funfair, a kids' drawing competition, Henna, and a live comedy improv show.
The festival continues its partnership with Bradford Mind.
The Ilkley Food and Drink Festival opens at 10am on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15.
More information is available at
