The Newcastle Food Festival 2026: A Bank Holiday Feast

Big news, Newcastle! 🌶️

We're heading back to where it all started. Featuring Oasis Tribute (Oasis Supernova) Saturday, Pulp'd (Pulp Tribute) Sunday and The Fab 4 (Beatles Tribute) Monday.

On the May Bank Holiday weekend, 2nd–4th May 2026, we're returning to our home in Exhibition Park for a weekend celebrating global flavours, local community, and the very best of Tyne and Wear.

As we stroll back to where it all began, it's only fitting we bring with us our boldest production display yet - think creative twists, fresh line-ups, and a dose of the wonderfully unexpected.

Wander through artisan markets, roam between street food and bars, perch up on a deckchair and soak up the live music, or throw yourself into non-stop family action. However you choose to spend it, it's an effortless May Bank Holiday weekend - great food, great company, and the easy rhythm of Exhibition park all around you.

While we can't give you all of the details just yet, rest assured we've not forgotten about the festival favourites. Here's what else to expect:

• Our Most Vibrant Live Music Line-up Yet (including unseen tributes)
• Newcastle's Leading Chefs in the Cookery Theatre
• Brand-new Attractions & Family Activities
• Heightened Production and Entertainment
• Fresh Street Food, Bars, and Artisan Market Line-ups

⭐ Join thousands of foodies for an unforgettable Bank Holiday Feast in the heart of Newcastle - it’s shaping up to be a special one! ⭐

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets were snapped up last year - grab yours up before they're all gone! Don't say we didn't yarn ya!

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 Newcastle's Leading Chefs (12 demos over 3 days)
🎵 FREE Live Music (Minimum of 17 acts over 3 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 £164,300 raised for local mental health charities so far (and counting!)

💬 "The food, the entertainment, the atmosphere, so much to take in and enjoy. Very well organised and something for all ages.” - 2025 Attendee Feedback Forms

⭐ Stunning location beside Exhibition Park Lake & Wylam Brewery⭐

…Come join the fun!

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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 of Exhibition Park. 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 MasterChef semi-finalist and esteemed culinary mentor Anthony O'Shaughnessy, 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. In recent years, we’ve welcomed the likes of Chris Rawlinson of the acclaimed Zucchini Pasta Bar, Troy Terrington of the Michelin Guide-endorsed Dobson & Parnell, and Emma Carlton, owner of the award-winning patisserie & premier baking school Sweet Patisserie.

🍹 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 stumble 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 Tyneside & Northumberland Mind. Through optional ticket donations and fun activities, we’ve raised over £164,300 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 | 10 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: May 2nd - 4th, 2026
📍Where: Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Opening Times: 10am - 8pm (Saturday) | 10am - 7pm (Sunday) | 10am - 6pm (Monday)

🎶 Full Live Music & Cookery Theatre line-up coming soon!
🎟️ Limited Early Bird Tickets – from just £6.95 per adult

www.newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com