What is Foodies Festival?
Foodies Festival is the UK's largest celebration of food and drink with 13 festivals across the country in 2015
Their flagship event returns to Edinburgh Inverleith Park this month, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a three-day showcase of Scotland’s finest culinary talents and regional produce as part of the Year of Food and Drink Scotland.
Following the success of last year’s Festival in Edinburgh - which welcomed 34,000 visitors - organisers are expanding the festival site by 50%, making room for new food and drink theatres, an extended Producers Market and a huge selection of street food for visitors to feast on.
Where?
The festival will be held in Edinburgh's Inverleith Park (entry via the Inverleith Place Gate).
Inverlieth Park. Picture: Wikimedia
When?
The Festival will run over three sessions over three days this month:
• Friday 7th August: 11am – 7pm
• Saturday 8th August: 10am – 8pm
• Sunday 9th August: 10am – 7pm
Tickets:
Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111
• Friday adult day ticket £10.00 (£8.00 concession)
• Saturday or Sunday adult day ticket £13.00 (£11.00 concession)
• 3-day adult ticket £20.00 (£16.00 concession)
• Friday VIP ticket £35.00*
• Saturday or Sunday VIP ticket £38.00*
All children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.
*VIP tickets include a welcome glass of bubbly, access to the VIP tent with private bar and refreshments throughout the day, priority entry to food and drink masterclasses, a goody bag and a showguide.
What is included with my ticket?
Tickets include one day entry to the festival and free admission to food and drink masterclasses in The Chefs Theatre, The Tasting Theatre, The Drinks Theatre and The Children’s Cookery Theatre (subject to availability). There is live music provided throughout the day from The Entertainment Stage and samples available across the festival site.
The festival drew massive crowds last year. Picture: Lanyard
Getting there
By car - Street parking in the area is available but it will be limited so it may be better to walk or get the bus.
By bus (recommended) - The 23 or 27 from city centre will take you to the park. Timetables can be found here.
Highlights
There's so much happening as the festival that there are quite a few things you should look out for:
Are you a fan of wine and craft beer? Then you'll want to check out the New Wine and Champagne Theatre where experts Neil Phillips and Charles Metcalfe guide visitors through this season’s best bubblies from around the world, while beer expert Melissa Cole is on-hand in the New Craft Beer Theatre with food and beer pairing masterclasses.
Perhaps you will be looking to gain some new skills? The New Tasting Theatre will offer festival-goers the chance to learn new skills and discover new flavours with masterclasses in Bee Keeping, Sushi Rolling and Sausage Making. While chocolate experts Coeur de Xocolat host ‘How to Sniff Chocolate like a Rockstar’ classes, which leave participants tasting chocolate for hours.
Last year's masterclass in Bee keeping. Picture: Lanyard
Street Food Avenue will be a feasting hub at the heart of the festival which takes visitors on a flavour adventure around the world. Japanese, Thai, Brazilian, Argentinian, Indian, Mexican, French and African are just some of the cuisines visitors can tuck into at communal tables in the Feasting Tent.
The Street Food offering will be a highlight at the festival again this year. Picture: Lanyard
The Cake & Bake Theatre will be a haven for passionate bakers with Scotland's top cake makers and patissiers sharing their tips for baking delicious summer cakes. Visitors can also enjoy 3D cake modelling, Chocolate Making and Sugar-Craft masterclasses and a complementing Chocolate, Cake and Bake Village sells bakes, jams, and the latest baking gadgets.
The Cake & Bake Theatre. Picture: Lanyard
Looking for a bit of retail threapy? The Artisan Producers Market will have over 200 artisan producers from Scotland and across the UK to sample and shop from, selling everything from award-winning Salted Caramel Cheese to Pink Raspberry Gin, festival-goers will be spoiled for choice with samples and for what to buy to take home and enjoy - the perfect setting to meet the producers and share their passion for quality food and drink.
If you are brave enough check out the Chilli Market, a destination for those who like it really hot, selling UK grown chillies and face-meltingly spicy sauces. And for those foolish enough, the famous Chilli Eating Competition challenges contestants to try and break the current record of 16 million scoville eaten to win the Chilli Eating Crown - that's 6400 times the average chill heat!
And it's not just all about the adults either the Children's Cookery Theatre offer Little foodies the chance to explore their taste buds and learn basic cooking skills in 'Picnic in the Park' themed masterclasses with Kiddy Cook, who will show them how to make finger sandwiches, fruit jellies and chocolate bugs.
For a bit of fun the New Spaghetti-Eating Competition offers pairs of contestants - friends and strangers - the chance to race from either end of a 4 meter spaghetti to be crowned 'Lady and her Champ'.
After a day of feasting and fun, foodies can relax and soak in the atmosphere with live music from the Entertainment Stage and a glass of bubbly or refreshing cocktail from the Giant Pimm's Teapot or Captain Morgan Mojito Galleon.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I pay for things at the Festival? Cash is accepted on site and some stalls accept cards. Cash machines are available as well. The festival does not operate a token/crown system.
Can I bring my dog? Dogs are welcome at Foodies Festival Festival on a short lead at all times. There are water stations at the back of the site for dogs to drink from.
What is the recommended footwear? As the festival is on grass, it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable footwear. Wellies are only needed if there has been heavy rain, but the festival is on a hill designed to reduce puddles and mud forming.
Can I take pictures at the event? Visitors are welcome to take pictures and share their experience on social media with the hashtag #foodiesfestival.
Social Media:
Twitter: @foodiesfestival
Instagram: @foodiesfestival
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FoodiesFestival
