Launched in 2000, Christchurch Food Festival continues to bring people together in one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast to share great food and drink. With chef demos, live entertainment, and a delicious selection of local produce, the festival celebrates the pleasure of food while also helping to support small producers and independent food businesses.
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May 2027
Launched in 2000, Christchurch Food Festival continues to bring people together in one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast to share great food and drink. With chef demos, live entertainment, and a delicious selection of local produce, the festival celebrates the pleasure of food while also helping to support small producers and independent food businesses.
One of the main attractions is the variety of food and drink available throughout the festival.
Visitors can traditionally explore stalls showcasing freshly prepared street food, artisan products, regional ingredients and specialist drinks, with a particular emphasis on supporting independent producers.
The festival has previously brought together traders from Dorset, Hampshire and across the South and South West, offering visitors the chance to discover new flavours and meet the people behind the products.
Live cooking demonstrations have been a popular part of Christchurch Food Festival, with professional chefs sharing recipes, techniques and inspiration.
Previous programmes have featured local and national chefs preparing dishes and discussing ingredients, giving visitors an opportunity to pick up cooking ideas and learn more about food preparation.
Alongside the food stalls, the festival has traditionally featured live music and entertainment, helping create a relaxed atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Visitors can enjoy performances while sampling food, meeting friends or spending time beside Christchurch Quay.
Christchurch Food Festival has traditionally been a family-friendly event, with activities and entertainment suitable for different ages.
Previous festivals have featured attractions including the Sheep Show, alongside the wider food and entertainment programme.
With Christchurch Quay's open spaces, riverside walks and nearby play facilities, families can also make the most of the surrounding area during their visit.
A central part of Christchurch Food Festival is its commitment to supporting small producers, independent traders and the regional food economy.
The festival aims to connect visitors with businesses that place importance on food quality, sustainability and carefully sourced ingredients.
For local businesses, the event provides an opportunity to introduce their products to thousands of visitors, while encouraging people to discover Christchurch's restaurants, cafés, shops and attractions.
Christchurch Quay is within walking distance of Christchurch town centre, making the festival accessible for visitors arriving by public transport or parking nearby.
Christchurch railway station is approximately a 15-20-minute walk from the Quay.
Public car parks are available around the town centre, although spaces can become busy during major events.
Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and check any temporary road closures or parking restrictions announced for the festival weekend.
Christchurch Food Festival's 2027 dates, opening hours, trader line-up and entertainment programme have not yet been officially announced.
The information above reflects previous festivals and will be updated when the organisers release further details.
Visit the official Christchurch Food Festival website
View the official festival programme
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