Food lovers are in for a treat as the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival returns to the Bath & West Showground from Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 March 2025, with a packed programme of tastings, talks, live music, and family entertainment.

The festival will bring together artisan food and drink producers from across the South West, offering a chance to sample and purchase a huge range of locally made products. The centrepiece of the event will be the British & Irish Cheese Awards, which will take place on Friday 21 March, with judging behind closed doors before the winners are showcased at the weekend festival.

What to expect at the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival 2025

Visitors will be able to taste award-winning cheeses, explore a bierkeller-style area celebrating British beer, and enjoy talks from food and drink experts on the Farmhouse Kitchen Stage. There will also be plenty to keep children entertained in the Kids Zone, as well as live music and roaming entertainment throughout the weekend.

Among the highlights of the festival:

• Cheese tasting tours offering exclusive guided tastings of the best entries from the British & Irish Cheese Awards
• The Farmhouse Kitchen Stage, hosted by Nigel Barden, featuring talks from chefs and industry experts
• Live music and entertainment, including performances from Charlie Greenwood and the Somerset & Wiltshire Rock Choir
• Artisan food and drink stalls, featuring the best of the South West's producers
• The Fun Kitchen, offering free cooking workshops for children
• The Kids Zone, with hands-on food and farming-themed crafts

All events take place undercover, ensuring a great day out whatever the weather.

Ticket prices and visitor information

Tickets for the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival are now on sale, with discounts for advance bookings.

• Adult tickets: £6 in advance or £8 on the gate
• Special offer: Two adult tickets for £10 when booked in advance
• Children (15 and under): Free entry

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate on the day.

Opening hours:

• Saturday 22 March: 10am – 4pm
• Sunday 23 March: 10am – 4pm
• The car park will open from 9:30am each day

Parking:

• Visitor parking will be in the Yellow Car Park, accessible via the Blue Gate on the A371
• Disabled parking is available at the front of the Yellow Car Park

The British & Irish Cheese Awards

The prestigious British & Irish Cheese Awards will take place on Friday 21 March before the festival begins. Visitors over the weekend will be able to sample award-winning cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process in guided tastings led by experts. A celebratory awards dinner will also take place following the judging.

The Farmhouse Kitchen Stage

Food lovers can look forward to live demonstrations, food pairings, and expert talks throughout the weekend. Hosted by Nigel Barden, chairman of judges for the Great Taste Awards and World Cheese Awards, the stage will feature a mix of celebrity appearances, panels, and discussions on sustainability, food budgeting, and industry trends.

Kids activities and family fun

Families are well catered for at the festival, with children aged 15 and under admitted free. The Kids Zone in the Sedgemoor Pavilion will offer hands-on food and farming-related crafts, including a chance to plant cress heads and learn about growing food at home.

The Fun Kitchen will also be running free 45-minute cooking workshops throughout the festival, giving children a chance to get involved in hands-on food activities.

How to book tickets

Tickets for the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival can be booked in advance to take advantage of discounted prices.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival website.