Newcastle Food and Drink Festival announces 2025 return with a new home and plans to hit 'new heights'
Preparations are now under way for a second serving of a huge food festival which made its debut in the city last year.
The inaugural Newcastle Food and Drink Festival took place in Exhibition Park over the last May Bank Holiday and the three-day affair, which had been three years in the planning, delivered on both scale and ambition with its line-up of artisan traders, chef demonstrations, range of independent bars and live music acts.
And now organisers - who arrange similar major festivals around the country - have announced it will be making a comeback in the city for a second year and, while this time it will run for two days, it still will bring what they call "the biggest food and drink roster to date". It is also to have a new city location, in Leazes Park, where from May 31 to June 1 it will be adding to its attractions with a new range of entertainment and activities.
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Festival director Michael Johnston said: "We’re thrilled to be bringing the celebration this year to Leazes Park and we’re going to properly honour the park’s rich history and culture.” He had been delighted with the success of last year's festival, saying: “The support from the local community for our inaugural event was incredible and we’re extremely grateful to have the privilege of returning to such a beautiful park in Newcastle."
The focus is upon the festival's 'continued growth' and its return is promising a fresh culinary adventure plus a new live music line-up featuring top local talent and tribute acts. MasterChef finalist and cookery school teacher Anthony O’Shaughnessy again will host of its Live Cookery Theatre where demonstrations will be given by a different line-up of renowned chefs, culinary experts and local independent business owners.
The plan is to build upon last year's tally of more than 70 local independent producers and creators involved in its Artisan Market where there are opportunities to showcase the likes of freshly-baked goods; home-made crafts and unique art. Diversity is key and the festival's Street Food Arena, which last year hosted 20-plus street food and dessert traders, will be featuring another array of global cuisines and cultural specialities.
Drinks wise, there will be an Ale House serving craft beers, IPAs and cask favourites while other tipples on offer at a mix of independent bars will include cocktails, specialty spirits, wines and ciders. Festival manager Nikki Orrell invites local businesses to make contact if they would like to join the programme and said: "Part of our ethos is to showcase the outstanding talent the area has to offer, shedding light on independent businesses, local entrepreneurs and skilled artisans.
"In 2025, we’re taking the Street Food Arena and Artisan Markets to new heights. We’re excited to show guests our most dynamic selection of traders yet." Festival-goers can also expect an entertainment programme with new activities tailored to all ages and, while organisers have yet to reveal the details, they hint at the introduction of a 'Foodie Olympics'.
A Live Entertainers Stage will host performing arts, interactive circus shows and magic acts and there also will be free children's activities, a funfair, inflatables and a mobile petting zoo. Like last year, the festival is working with Tyneside & Northumberland Mind as its charity partner and the hope is to raise more money to support its mental health initiatives across the north.
Limited numbers of early bird tickets are already on sale for the event's May 31-June 1 run, with daily options costing £5.95 for adults and £4.95 for under-16s plus weekend tickets for adults priced £10.95 and £6.95 for under-16s, all plus £1 booking fees. There is free entry for under-fives.
To buy tickets see the Newcastle Food and Drink Festival website here, where there is also information about how local businesses can become involved.