Festival known as 'foodies paradise' returns to Merseyside

Elliot Jessett

12 May 2024 at 3:11 am·2-min read

A popular festival known as a 'foodies paradise' makes a welcome return to Merseyside this month and it's free to attend.

The Southport Food and Drink Festival is a family-friendly event facilitated by Sefton Council and has become one of the highlights of the borough's cultural calendar.

It will return to Victoria Park in Southport on Friday, May 31 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors over the course of the bank holiday weekend.

The popular three-day event will feature more than 100 vendors who are all hoping to tantalise your taste buds with a delicious array of food from all around the world - showcasing a range of epicurean delights, with dishes ranging from the sun-scorched Greek Isles to the snow-capped Canadian mountains.

Locally sourced food is also celebrated throughout the festival with traders offering up homemade pies, chutneys, local sausages, hog roast and ice cream from a nearby dairy.

Thousands of samples will be served up in the hope of satisfying all tastes - charcuterie, handmade cheeses, jams and pickles are just a few of the products which can be taken home.

Entertainment is also a key component of the festival and this year's event will host local musicians and performers - including The Jazzophonists, the Wellbeing Choir, Clay Highway and Olivia Armstrong - as well as activities for children and families.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “Southport’s annual Food and Drink Festival is one of the very best free events on our tourism calendar and each year thousands of people of all ages enjoy a smorgasbord of street food, artisan produce, coffees and other refreshments.

“Visitors can indulge themselves as well as choose healthy alternatives as they enjoy a wonderful day out in what we hope will be a sun-drenched Victoria Park.

“And don’t think once the gates close of an evening that it’s all over. There’s so much to see and enjoy in Southport and I would encourage everyone to take some time to explore all that Sefton’s spectacular coastline has to offer.”

Southport Food and Drink Festival details

When: Friday to Sunday, May 31 until June 2
Where: Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 1RX
Opening times: 10am to 6pm

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