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Harrogate - it's that time again🌸
We're returning to the peaceful parklands of Ripley Castle on August 22nd & 23rd, 2026, marking our seventh year in this beloved corner of Yorkshire. Thanks to your continued support, we're able to return to this charming village for another summer weekend celebrating global flavours, local community and easygoing entertainment.
As we step into the new year, we're also stepping into the realm of wild and whimsical - new production touches, fresh activities and few unexpected moments you won't find anywhere else.
Lets just say there's plenty to look forward to:
- Brand-new Live Music Lineup - a little bit of something for everyone, from rock, pop and indie to jazz, swing, funk and soul. Plus, joining us in the evenings are Fleetwood Shack (Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Saturday) and The Freddie and Queen Experience (Queen Tribute, Sunday)
- Yorkshire's Leading Chefs in our refreshed Cookery Theatre with new host & compere Steph Moon! Highlights including Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant), Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall) and Adam Degg (Fifty Two Rudding Park)
- A FOURTH live stage - introducing The Sizzling Showdown Arena, hosted by renowned comedian Neil Frost. Get involved with The Foodie Olympics, Wally Woof's Family Dog Show, The Chilli Challenge, and Pies Down Eyes Down Bingo with Barry Bingo
- Brand-new Attractions & Family Activities, such as Inflatable Banana Jousting (yes, you read that correctly), Viking Heritage Kitchen, Target Paintball, unseen roaming acts and comedy
- Heightened Production & New Stage Designs (think more giant inflatables and donuts)
- Refreshed Street Food, Bar and Markets Line-up - 21 different independent street food & dessert vendors, 9 independent bars, and a treasure trove of over 85 local businesses and entrepreneurs in the markets.
Take your time wandering between street food stalls and artisan treats, or settle into a deckchair with something good to eat and the castle backdrop behind you. However you spend the day, it’s a warm celebration of food, people and place.
Stamp the dates in, gather your favourite people, and join thousands for a relaxed summertime feast beside an iconic Yorkshire landmark.
⭐ As seen in BBC, The Guardian & iNews ⭐
***FREE ENTRY into Ripley Castle Gardens and Grounds for ticket holders*** Please note, the castle itself remains closed.
🎟️ Limited Early Bird Tickets Available - once they're gone, they're gone!
What's included with your ticket? 👇
🎶 NEW: Our Biggest Music Lineup Yet + Unseen Tribute Acts!
🎡 NEW: Activities & Attractions
🎭 NEW: Eccentric Production & Family Entertainment
👨🍳 FREE Live Chef Demos from Yorkshire's Leading Chefs (10 demos over 2 days)
🎵 FREE Live Music (Minimum of 12 acts over 2 days)
🎤 FREE Live Entertainment / Performing Arts – 6 shows per day
😂 FREE Roaming Comedy Acts
📖 FREE Festival Programmes
🎨 FREE Kids Activities & Foodie Colouring Books
🥇 FREE Foodie Olympics – Sports Day-Inspired Family Mini-Games
🕵️♀️ FREE Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt
🛍️ Explore the Artisan Markets
🍔 Delicious Street Food from Leading Vendors
🪑 Ample Furniture & Deckchairs to Kick Back and Relax
🍻 Independent Bars (Including an Ale House, Speciality Cider, Gin & Wine Bars)
🎠 Fun Fair
🖼️ Art Displays
⚡ Fast Track Entry
💚 Over £182,000 raised for local mental health charities so far (and counting!)
💬 "Variety of stalls, something for everyone, great atmosphere and entertainment.” - 2025 Attendee Feedback Surveys
⭐ Stunning location beside Ripley Castle⭐
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⭐ FURTHER DETAILS ⭐
🌍 International Street Food
Follow the gentle drift of spices, charcoal and fresh herbs as you wander through the tranquil parklands beside Ripley Castle. Our street food village brings together flavours from across the world - dishes made by cooks who take great care in what they do. You’ll find tastes from Greece, Italy, Spain, Jamaica, Malaysia, Venezuela, Gambia, Hungary, Mexico and plenty more along the way.
If you’re craving something savoury, you might settle in with slow-cooked beef and rich onion gravy, soft bao filled with braised pork belly or pan-fried tofu, or a tray of street-style Birria tacos from Western Mexico.
Prefer something sweet? Look out for Japanese bubble waffles, Dutch mini-pancakes with syrup and blueberries, or hand-baked brownies glazed in Belgian chocolate.
With over 30 cuisines to explore - and vegan options at nearly every stall - it’s a weekend for tasting your way through non-stop new flavours.
👨🍳 Live Cookery Theatre
In partnership with brand-new host and compere Steph Moon, our Cookery Theatre returns across the weekend. Pull up a seat and watch regional chefs share the techniques and small touches that bring a dish to life.
🍹 Independent Drink
Whether you’re after something crisp, fruity, spicy or sparkling, our eclectic mix of independent bars offer a little of everything. Think chilled cider, small-batch cocktails, specialty rums and gins, or a glass of fizz to enjoy in the sunshine.
You’ll also find The Soldiers' Ale House, in partnership with Vocation Brewery, serving a selection of IPAs, lagers and cask favourites on draught.
If you prefer something alcohol free, there’s freshly brewed coffee, teas, juices and smoothies made to order. Once you've chosen your tipple, head over to our colourful deckchairs, perched right in front of the Live Music Stage, and unwind for the afternoon.
🛍️ Artisan Markets
Stroll through our Artisan Markets and browse a mix of local produce, handmade goods and small-batch treats. You’ll come across Yorkshire cheeses, cured meats, fudge, marshmallows, pies, hot sauces and freshly roasted coffee - alongside jewellery, crafts, artwork, accessories and home-made gifts from some of the region's leading and most exciting artisans. Whatever your fancy, there's a little something for everyone to take home.
🎵 Live Music
Across the day, the Live Music Stage hosts a vibrant mix of jazz, pop, rock and soul from local breakthrough musicians. You might catch red-hot blues and electric energy of the Danny Charles Band or the softer harmonies of emerging acoustic duos. Saxophonist Will Forrester opens and closes each day with his intricate covers and Ibiza classics - a familiar soundtrack for many of our regulars.
🎭 Live Entertainment
Our Entertainment Arena brings together magic, comedy and a touch of circus. Drop in when it suits you and watch Matthew J Magic & friends weaving together quick hands, light humour and a few surprises. Six daily shows run throughout the day!
🎪 Children’s Entertainment
Little ones can dive into a weekend filled with imagination and barrels of fun - from Magic Matt’s daily shows to foodie-quiz trails, drawing competitions, colouring books, and a traditional fun fair. Keep an eye out for roaming performers, stilt-walking chefs and Mr and Mrs Sweet, who are always up for a photo or two!
🤝 Supporting Mental Health
We’re proud to continue our partnership with Harrogate Mind. Through optional ticket donations and fun activities, we’ve raised over £182,000 so far for mental health initiatives across the north - let’s build on that total as we head into 2026!
🌟 At a Glance
Over 30 Cuisines | 180+ Exhibitors & Performers | Independent Bars | 3 Giant Artisan Markets | Street Food | Dessert Stations | Live Entertainment | 26+ Performers | FREE Kids Activities & Challenges | FREE Deckchairs & Seating | FREE Festival Programmes | Traditional Fun Fair | Exclusive Art Displays
📅When: August 22nd & 23rd, 2026
📍Where: Ripley Castle Chapel Flats (Next to Ripley Cricket Club), Ripley Castle
Opening Times: 10am - 8pm (Saturday) | 10am - 7pm (Sunday)
🎟️ Limited Early Bird Tickets – from just £6.95 per adult
www.harrogatefoodfestival.com