A major food and drink festival is set to return to Newcastle's Exhibition Park for a three-day event over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The third edition will feature a new arena with activities like a chilli-eating challenge and a dog show, alongside tribute music acts. Early bird tickets are now available for the event scheduled for May 2-4.
The Newcastle Food Festival, which debuted in 2024 at Exhibition Park, moved to Leazes Park last year for a two-day run attracting large crowds with its artisan market, street food, and chef demonstrations. For its third outing, the festival returns to Exhibition Park from May 2 to 4, expanding back to its original three-day format.
Organizers have introduced a new 'Sizzling Showdown' Arena, hosting interactive events including the Family Dog Show for pets, the Chilli Challenge for spicy food enthusiasts, and the Foodie Olympics with sports day-inspired games and audience participation. These activities are free and encourage sign-ups from families and friends. The festival will also retain favorites like the Cookery Theatre, Entertainers Stage, Street Food Arena, and Artisan Markets.
Music performances will headline each evening on the main stage. On Saturday, May 2, the schedule includes Will Forrester Smooth Saxophone at 11am, Scoble & Friends at 12:45pm, a main stage eating challenge at 1:30pm, Sophie Gordon at 4pm, Oasis Supernova at 5:45pm, and Ibiza Sax Classics at 7:15pm. Sunday, May 3, features Hannah Goodall at 1:15pm, Leeds City Stompers at 2:30pm, Danny Charles Band at 4pm, and Pulp’d at 5:45pm. Monday, May 4, has Howlin’ Mat at 12noon, Sienna Craven at 1:15pm, CB+ at 2:30pm, The Fab 4 at 4:15pm, and Ibiza Sax Classics at 5:15pm. Local bands and up-and-coming performers will also take the stage.
At the heart of the event is a wide array of street food from worldwide cuisines and local producers, complemented by bars and independent traders. Festival director Michael Johnston stated: “The incredible community atmosphere created at our debut event in Exhibition Park is something we can’t wait to recapture.” He emphasized the long weekend's focus on celebrating Newcastle with easy-going entertainment.
Early bird tickets are priced at £7.95 for adults and £5.95 for under-16s per day (free for under-fives), or £11.95 for adults and £7.95 for children for the weekend, including booking fees.
