York Food Festival

York Food Festival runs a series of annual events which celebrate local and regional food and drink. It is a not-for-profit organisation and any money generated from ticket sales goes back in to the festival to improve it year after year!

Our Aims

• To promote local food producers, independent restaurants and retailers in York;
• To provide educational and fun workshops and cookery demonstrations to encourage people to eat healthy, homemade and locally sourced food;
• To establish York as a culinary hotspot, building on: York’s history as a chocolate city and historic market; the city’s talented food specialists and the qualities of Yorkshire food.
• To transform the city streets throughout the days and in the evenings during the festival with a wealth of activities for all ages to enjoy.

History of the Festival

York Food Festival began in 1997 and was run by the local tourism partnership. Initially, the festival aimed to bring celebrity chefs to York and to run a food market around them. In 2004 Michael Hjort became the creative director of the festival and in 2007, the festival changed hands to be run by a not-for-profit organisation. Subsequently, the festival changed its aims. Now, the festival focuses on Yorkshire produce and chefs. Its aim is to educate and provide cookery lessons and demonstrations as well as events to celebrate Yorkshire food and drink.