Programme revealed for York Food Festival

The York Food and Drink Festival, returning for its 21st year from September 22 until October 1, has announced this year’s packed programme.

There will be a whole host of top chefs taking to the stage over the week, including Michelin Stars winners Andrew Pern, Tommy Banks, and James Mackenzie.  There are others from Great British Menu, including Steph Moon and Josh Overington, and from MasterChef Sara Danesin Medio and Joel Arnold. Other demonstrators come from the best of York’s food scene including Neil Bentinck (Skosh), the team from Melton’s the Grand, the Park and Rafi’s Spice Box.

The festival, which aims to promote regional food and the diverse scene of the city, will be hosting hands on cookery sessions in St Sampson’s Sqaure for both adults and children every day. The new food hub is set to be at the heart of the festival and will host a market of small food producers at the two weekends. During the week the Hub will be taken over by 800 primary school children taking cookery sessions.

The demonstration area at the Food Hub will, for the first time, it double up as a pop-up restaurant at night. The “Lawn” beside the demonstration area at the festival will also be taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Morning every day, with cakes provided by the many bakers at the festival.

There will be over 130 Food Stands attending, from macaroons to smoked salmon and street food ranging from Asian steamed buns to filled Yorkshire puddings. The festival will also host a range of events, including champagne and caviar tastings and a charity evening with York Soup.

Visitors can also explore the York through a Taste Trial of local establishments and children can make chocolate lollipops and explore a recipe trail through the city.

The bars and entertainment tent will be open to 9pm every night, with entertainment including the return of York’s Little Festival of Live Music.  There are a series of restaurant offers for all budgets.

For Real Ale enthusiasts, there w a dedicated festival bar in Parliament Street specialising in local brews and an Ale Trai