(Image: York Food Festival)
York Food and Drink Festival is back for another year of culinary delights.
The 2026 edition, which runs for 10 days from September 18 to 27, will once again transform the city centre into a celebration of food, drink, and entertainment, featuring cookery demonstrations, tastings, workshops, trails, family activities, and evening events.
Returning favourites include the Parliament Street market and street food stalls, but this year’s programme also introduces new venues and expanded experiences.
Festival director Michael Hjort said: "The programme is really about giving people more reasons to come into the city and discover something new.
"We’ve got some fantastic chefs and food producers involved, but also a huge range of activities where people can get involved themselves.
"The new St Sampson’s Centre gives us the opportunity to develop this side of the festival considerably."
A major addition for 2026 is the St Sampson’s Centre, which will serve as the hub for the festival’s demonstration and evening events.
It will feature a dedicated theatre offering free daily cookery demonstrations, alongside workshops, tastings, and special events.
The 2026 demonstration line-up includes a host of well-known chefs and food personalities.
Great British Bake Off star Freya Cox will appear on Saturday, September 19, to showcase her vegan cooking.
MasterChef 2025 personalities Claire Syrenne and Darren Gurry will also take to the stage, along with UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot, who will demonstrate his patisserie expertise.
The festival’s Food Factory, based at the St Sampson’s Centre, will engage visitors in hands-on food making, from bread and pasta to butter and ice cream.
This free activity will run throughout the festival, with extra sessions during the week and extended programming on the opening and closing weekends.
The popular Taste Trails will return, offering self-guided food tours around York.
Each trail includes around 20 stops, highlighting the city’s independent delis, restaurants, producers, and suppliers.
A vegan trail will also be available, featuring plant-based samples and alternatives.
Special events during the festival include a Medieval Feast at Barley Hall, a Gascony-themed dinner at The Chopping Block, and Mead Cocktails and Sagas with Horns of Odin, combining Viking storytelling with drinks.
The Great Yorkshire Tasting at St Sampson’s Centre will showcase Yorkshire wines, beers, and spirits, with the chance to meet the makers.
The historic Assize of Ale returns on Saturday, September 26, starting at York Mansion House and ending at the festival with a fish and chip supper.
Proceeds will support the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund.
The festival will also host Live for St Leonard’s, a series of music events across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from September 18 to 26.
Organised by York BID, the event has raised nearly £9,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice over the past two years.