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Bonjour Harrogate 🥖
Are you ready for The Stray to come alive again this June?
Picture this: You're tucking into something delicious, sipping on your favourite tipple as sizzling street food fills the air... and then a french chef rides by 10 feet in the air on a custom giant bike.
No, we're not kidding.
As many of you will know, we like to do things a little differently at Harrogate Food Festival. You can expect the staples; delicious food, incredible food producers,chefs and an array of entertainment to enjoy with your loved ones.
But you can always expect something wacky coming just around the corner.
Join us on June 27th-28th on The Stray as we celebrate our 6th year in this beautiful tree lined setting we call our home.
...Early bird tickets flew out last year. Grab yours today!
What's New for 2026?
👉 Brand New Event Production - Think bolder and brighter (& wackier!)
👉 Fresh Entertainment - We've been blessed with some incredible entertainers over the years. This year we're taking it up a notch with new world music & entertainers
👉 New Activities - Ever done 'Banana Jousting'? No, me neither but that is very much on the cards
👉 New Food & Drink Traders - Expect our biggest line up to date, with some fresh additions to the line up.
Love Food? Love a warm vibrant community atmosphere? Then you’re in the right place…
⭐ As seen in BBC, iNews & The Yorkshire Post ⭐
Not joined us before? Here's what to expect...
👩🍳 Live Chef Demos (Minimum of 8 Demos over the weekend)
🎸 Live Music (At least 12 acts over 2 days)
🛍️ Explore the Artisan Markets (Indulge in fresh baked cakes, artisanal cheeses, and aromatic sauces)
🌮 Street Food Arena (From tasty tacos to irresistible bao buns and succulent pulled pork)
🥂 Independent Bars (Featuring an Ale House, Speciality Cider, Rum, Gin & Wine Bars)
🍺 A Full Ale House – Showcasing Ales, IPA’s, Lagers & Cask favourites
👉 Unveiling Tribute Acts (Stay tuned for the lineup) – Get ready for an encore featuring incredible acts.
👉 Eccentric & Extraordinary Production - As you're aware, our production is already over-the-top, but in 2026, we're taking it a step further into the realm of weird and wonderful. That's all we can reveal for now.
✨ FREE Live Entertainment/Performing Arts – 6 shows daily
🎟️ FREE Festival Programmes
🤹 FREE Kids Activities
🥳 Ample Furniture Dotted Around for Lounging
🎢 Fun Fair & Inflatable Land
🎨 Art Displays
🐐 Mobile Educational Farm
🤹♂️ Whimsical Roaming Entertainment & Comedy - Chefs on stilts riding bicycles, anyone?
😁 “A fab day out with the family and a buzzing atmosphere” – Capturing the delight of seasoned festival-goers.
…Come join the fun!
⭐ Stunning central location in Harrogate. Five minutes walk from the Train & Bus Station.⭐
🚀 Over £165,000 raised for local mental health charities so far 🚀
Join us on our return to this beautiful spa town location, nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Get your tickets today.
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FAQ's
FAQs: June Edition - The Stray
Are dogs welcome? Yes, dogs are welcome at the event, we just ask that you keep them on a lead, pick up any mess and respect other attendees.
Is the festival covered? Some parts are, such as the Cookery Theatre and markets. Please bring appropriate clothing, sun block etc.
Can I bring my own furniture? Yes, folding chairs, tables etc are most welcome.
Can I bring my own food and drink? Outside food and drink is not permitted on site (water is ok).
Can we leave the festival and come back in? Yes, as long as you get a stamp/wristband from the entrance.
What are the opening times? Please see above.
Where on The Stray is the festival? The festival takes place on the Oatlands Drive section on the Stray. This is bordered by Oatlands Drive, Knaresborough Road and Wetherby Road.
FURTHER DETAILS
🍳 Live Cookery Theatre
In partnership with Yorkshire Food Guide, the Live Cookery Theatre returns for another weekend of flavour and creativity. Some of the region’s best chefs will take to the stage, sharing their craft and a few secrets along the way. Pull up a chair, settle in, and enjoy the show.
🌍 International Street Food
Follow the scent of spices and smoke through The Stray, where food from all over the world meets the heart of Harrogate. Freshly made Paella, fragrant Pad Thai, halloumi fries with pomegranate, melted artisan cheese — it’s all there. For something sweet, try churros drizzled with Belgian chocolate or wander between stalls serving flavours from Japan, Italy, Peru, the U.S., and plenty more.
There are vegan options at nearly every stand, too — no one’s missing out.
🍸 Independent Drink
Find a spot in the sun, sink into a deck chair, and take your pick — a local craft beer, a chilled glass of fizz, or a cocktail finished with fresh fruit. With eight independent bars across the site, there’s a little something for everyone. And if you’d rather skip the alcohol, our juice and smoothie bar will keep things fresh.
🧀 Fine Artisan Markets
Take your time browsing the Artisan Produce Markets — packed with handmade food, thoughtful gifts, and a few surprises along the way.
Expect brownies, fudge, cheeses, cured meats, small-batch spirits, and more from some of the UK’s most talented makers. Whether you’re treating yourself or picking up something to take home, there’s plenty to discover.
🎶 Live Music
The soundtrack to your weekend comes from a mix of jazz, soul, and pop. From the unmistakable charm of The Washboard Resonators to the smooth sax of Will Forrester, the music rolls gently through the day and carries the atmosphere into the evening.
🎭 Live Entertainment
Over in the Entertainment Arena, you’ll find Matthew J and friends doing what they do best — clever tricks, quick wit, and plenty of crowd smiles.
🎈 Children’s Entertainment
There’s lots for younger visitors too — the Magic Matt Show, a free kids’ quiz, and a fun fact-hunt around the grounds. Add in the Traditional Fun Fair, Inflatable Land, and free kids’ activity packs, and you’ve got a full day’s adventure for the little ones.
💛 Supporting Mental Health
We’re proud to continue supporting Harrogate Mind through optional ticket donations and on-site fundraising. Together, we’ve already raised over £165,000 for mental health support — and we’re looking forward to adding more in 2026.
🌟 At a Glance
31+ cuisines | 200+ exhibitors & performers | 8 independent bars | 3 artisan markets | Live cookery & entertainment | Street food & dessert stations | Free kids’ activities | Free seating & deckchairs | Wellbeing area | Fun Fair | Inflatable Land | Art displays
📅 Event Info
When: 27th–28th June 2026
Opening Times: Saturday 10am–8pm | Sunday 10am–7pm
Where: The Stray (Oatlands Drive), Harrogate
The full live music lineup will be announced soon.
Join us for good food, good music, and good company — all in one of Harrogate’s most beautiful green spaces.