The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival is back, and it’s bigger, better and more affordable than ever. After being saved by Staffordshire-based Cocker Hoop Creative Ltd, the UK’s largest ticketed food festival will return from 18th to 20th July 2025, with a new home in Aireville Park, Skipton.
The three-day celebration will feature a packed programme of food, drink, live music, comedy and family fun. Set in the heart of Skipton, known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, the new location offers better transport links and puts the event right on the doorstep of the town’s shops, cafés and independent businesses.
Local favourite James Martin returns to headline the Big Top Cooking Stage, joined by celebrity chefs Simon Rimmer, Rosemary Shrager, Galton Blackiston, Owen Diaram and Tom Shepherd, who brings back his famous Desperate Dan Cow Pie.
Evenings will bring live music from over 20 tribute acts, including tributes to Taylor Swift, Oasis, Little Mix, The Spice Girls and The Blues Brothers. Festival firsts include the Limelight Orchestra’s Ibiza Proms on Friday night and a late-night comedy club hosted on the transformed cooking stage.
For fans of baking, a new Great British Bake Off tent will feature past contestants such as Janusz Domagala, Amanda Geogiou and Val Stones, who will be baking live and sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Kids can enjoy a wide range of activities including a circus school, mini disco, storytelling, food science, jewellery making and a petting zoo.
Tickets are now on sale, with prices reduced across the board for 2025:
- Adult day ticket (Saturday or Sunday): £24 (was £26)
- Adult weekend ticket: £50 (was £60)
- Family day ticket: £60 (was £76)
- Family weekend ticket: £120 (was £155)
- Cookery show ticket: £38 (was £45)
- Car parking pass: £5 (was £6)
Camping options are more budget-friendly too:
- Bronze tent camping: £75 (was £94.31)
- Silver tent camping: £90 (was £104.96)
Festival Director Jon Arrowsmith said:
“We knew how disappointed people were when the 2024 festival was cancelled. So we’ve not only brought it back, we’ve made it more accessible, more affordable and even more fun. By scrapping booking fees and lowering prices, we hope more families and food lovers can join us for a weekend to remember.”
More than 220 food and drink traders are already signed up, with spaces still available for Yorkshire-based producers. Day visitors and weekend campers are welcome, with plenty of options including motorhomes, caravans, campervans and luxury glamping.
Cllr Keane Duncan from North Yorkshire Council said:
“We’re proud to host the festival at Aireville Park for the first time. It’s a huge event that will bring people to Skipton, support local businesses and showcase what our region has to offer.”
Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager, added:
“This is a brilliant opportunity for Skipton. The festival brings people in, gives our economy a boost and helps put our town on the map.”
To book your tickets or find out more, visit: www.ydfadfw.com
