Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage are celebrating their 20th birthday in style this year with their annual Food Fair on 25 and 26 May which is going to be bigger and better than ever. Held over two days at their East Devon HQ, nestled in the stunning Axe Valley, the fair will be jam packed with all the brilliant things River Cottage is known and loved for with food provenance being at the heart of everything they do.
Both days are full of family fun (children under 16 go free), exciting activities, special guests and amazing food. This year all three stages play host to a heady mix of exciting new guests, familiar River Cottage faces and old friends. Hugh will take to the Meadow Stage over the weekend to welcome Yotam Ottolenghi, Kate Humble and Chetna Makan amongst others.
At the Fire Pit, Gill Meller will be fuelling the flames and the audience with an amazing line up including Samin Nosrat and Thom Hunt. The Food For Thought stage has curated a fascinating timetable of debates and interviews to spark discussion and there will be an opportunity for book signings with many of the contributors who are taking part.
Spread out around the 100 acre site will be a diverse combination of masterclasses, workshops and cookery demos. Some need to be booked before the day so whether you have a passion for wild cocktails, a ramen bowl of goodness or curing and smoking your produce, don’t miss the chance to learn more. The River Cottage chefs will be preparing classic feasts over the weekend or indulge in the great street food on offer. The bustling food and craft market returns featuring some of the very best local producers and artisan makers.
The Food Fair is a fascinating playground for children to explore with their families. They can try their hand at gnocchi making, willow weaving, bushcraft and art workshops as well as joining in with games and visiting the livestock on site. Throughout the weekend there are regular farm tours, garden talks and the fascinating foraging tours are back by popular demand.
River Cottage always know how to throw a great event whether it is a big party or an intimate dinner so their anniversary focused Food Fair promises to be incredible. Tickets are £15 per adult and under 16s go free.
Stay in one of our Devon holiday cottages and make a weekend of your journey.
Looking for more festival fun? The Food Fair features on our best family friendly festivals in Devon list.
