Photo: failing_angel / Flickr

We may not have fantastic weather in the UK, but we have some pretty darn good food to make up for it. This summer, come rain or shine, be sure to attend at least one of the many food festivals held in the UK. Highlights include the Great British Beer Festival in London, Taste of Edinburgh and the BBC Good Food Show Summer in Birmingham. Expect celebrity chefs, huge turnouts and fantastic fare.

The Great British Beer Fest

CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival will see around 200,000 pints being drunk by up to 70,000 people. More than 700 foreign beers, ales and ciders will be on offer. Take part in a themed ale trail (coordinated via Twitter), tutored tastings, or simply wander around sampling as you go.

The festival runs from 2-6 August. Entry is £10 per adult (or £8 for CAMRA members) and children can attend the fest free – but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The venue is Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, Earl’s Court, Warwick Road, SW5.

Taste of Edinburgh

Taste of Edinburgh is a spin-off of the hugely successful Taste of London. Fifteen of Edinburgh’s most renowned restaurants, including Restaurant Martin Wishart, the Plumed Horse and Ondine, will be cooking their signature dishes on-site. Between £3 and £5 will get you a taste of Scotland’s best and in-between mouthfuls you can attend demo-cooking events, browse a producers’ market and hone your baking skills.

Taste of Edinburgh runs from 1-3 July at The Meadows, Edinburgh. Adults can get in for £16, and children for half that price.

The BBC Good Food Show Summer

This is not known for being the most serious of events on the British foodie calendar, but it is a whole lot of fun. James Martin will be presenting a Saturday Kitchen at the Good Food Show, while you’ll be able to catch other celeb chefs John Torrode, Rachel Allen, Simon Rimmer and Greg Wallace at the Summer Kitchen.

The BBC Good Food Show Summer runs from 15-19 June in Birmingham. Tickets for adults will be £24 and £22 for children.

Be sure to book your tickets now.

Tags: Festival