Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, 4-6 May
Back for its 16th year, the South West’s ultimate food event will be returning to the idyllic surroundings of Exeter Castle Courtyard and Northernhay Gardens. With workshop activities and over 100 exhibitors in two large pavilions, plus chef demos in the cookery theatre, it’s a long weekend not to be missed. As ever, festival co-founder Michael Caines will be fronting the event.
exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
Salcombe Crab Festival, 5 May
Escape to the coast for the early May bank holiday weekend and discover a familyfriendly festival inspired by the sea – and Salcombe’s celebrated brown crab. Enjoy free entry to a cracking line-up of chef demos, exhibitors and live music on Sunday, with associated special events happening across the weekend hosted by Gara Rock, Jamie Rogers at The Wardroom, Salcombe Gin and Crew Clothing Co.
River Cottage Food Fair, 25-26 May
Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall opened River Cottage? To mark the anniversary year, the annual RC Food Fair looks to be one of the best yet, with appearances from Yotam Ottolenghi, Chetna Makan, Gill Mellor, Samin Nosrat and many more. You can also rustle up wild cocktails, pickles or ramen at one of the many festival masterclasses. Tickets £15, under 16s go free.
Flavour Fest, 31 May-2 June
Plymouth’s free foodie event Flavour Fest returns this year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. A packed line-up of talented regional chefs, including the Tanner brothers,
will be joined by Great British Bake Off alumni Nadiya Hussain and Steven Carter-Bailey to cook up a storm in the Cookery Theatre, while there will be over 100 exhibitors selling their wares.
