ONE of York’s biggest festivals returns to the city centre next month.

The highly anticipated York Food Festival returns from Friday September 20th and runs until Sunday September 29th, promising ten days of culinary delights, community events, and vibrant entertainment.

Spanning three main venues—Museum Gardens, Parliament Street, and St Crux Hall—the festival will feature events and activities across the city, which organisers say makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and families alike.

Festival director Michael Hjort says York Food Festival consistently emphasizes its commitment to community engagement.

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He said: “This year, the festival continues its tradition of offering 1,000 free cookery workshop places for children. In addition, a parent-and-child cookery competition will be held in conjunction with the York City FC  Foundation. The festival proudly supports local initiatives by working closely with refugees and partnering with the Trussell Trust, reinforcing its role as a positive force in the community.”

Other festival highlights include market stands with a diverse range of street food and produce stands, with additional offerings in the Market Hall from Friday to Sunday.

Michael said: “A central highlight is the new York-Dijon stand, available daily, showcasing an array of Yorkshire and Burgundy specialties, including cheeses, charcuterie, wines, breads, mustards, sea salts, smoked fish, and more.”

There will also be an Entertainment Marque in Parliament Street. This lively venue will host evening music events, with collections supporting St Leonard’s Hospice.

The York Gin Garden will offer live music and refreshing drinks at St Sampson’s Square, where the evening music program also supports St Leonard’s Hospice.

A new location for the festival is St Crux Church Hall at the bottom of Shambles, which offers an ‘ambitious programme’ including hosting pop up restaurants featuring Syrian and Filipino cuisine. A special evening event will raise funds for the Trussell Trust.

 The Food Factory also offers visitors a chance to take part in hands-on cookery workshops at St Crux and Museum Gardens, perfect for aspiring chefs of all ages.

There will also be citywide trails, including two food trails featuring samples from 20 delis, cafes, and restaurants.

Michael continued: “A new wine trail offers a festival-long opportunity to explore the city’s top wine bars, while the Chocolate Tour, designed for families with young children, invites participants to uncover clues about York’s chocolate history and create their own chocolate bars.

In addition, are one-off events such as wine tastings, a Normandy dinner, a medieval banquet, a pork pie competition, and vineyard tours.

Michael added: “York Food Festival is a celebration of the city’s rich culinary heritage, offering an inclusive and engaging experience for all. As a not-for-profit organization, all proceeds go directly back into improving the festival each year, ensuring it continues to be a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.”

For details, go to: yorkfoodfestival.com.