Popular Food & Drink Festival Announces Return to Newcastle for Its Second Annual Event in 2025
Following its 2024 debut, The Newcastle Food Festival is coming to Leazes Park with brand-new live music, culinary experts, family entertainment, and its "biggest food line-up to date."
The Newcastle Food Festival has unveiled the dates for its second annual celebration of independent businesses, global cuisines, local entertainment, and performing arts. Set within the idyllic Leazes Park on May 31st - June 1st, 2025, preparations are underway for a memorable weekend packed with an abundance of delicious food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Festival Director Michael Johnston expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s highly-anticipated return, stating: “The support from the local community for our inaugural event was incredible, and we’re extremely grateful to have the privilege of returning to such a beautiful park in Newcastle. We’re thrilled to be bringing the celebration this year to Leazes Park, and we’re going to properly honour the Park’s rich history and culture.”
Following the success of their 2024 debut, organisers have ensured the festival’s continued growth. Attendees can anticipate brand-new live music line-ups featuring top local talent and tributes.
MasterChef Finalist and esteemed cookery school teacher Anthony O’Shaughnessy will once again host the Live Cookery Theatre. In 2025, the theatre will feature a fresh line-up of renowned culinary experts, chefs, and celebrated local independent business owners.
Families can also enjoy the Live Entertainers Stage, spotlighting performing arts, interactive circus shows, and family magic .
Festival-goers can expect brand-new activities tailored to friends and families of all ages. Organisers are yet to disclose the details, but have hinted at the introduction of the “Foodie Olympics” alongside several other new attractions. Further entertainment options will include Free Kids Activities, a Fun Fair & Inflatable Land, Interactive Roaming Comedy, a Mobile Petting Zoo, Free Kids Activities, and more.
Emblematic of the event’s aims to celebrate diversity is the returning Street Food Arena, which was host to over 20 different Street Food & Dessert traders serving delectable cuisines and cultural specialities from each corner of the globe.
“Part of our ethos is to showcase the outstanding talent the area has to offer, shedding light on independent businesses, local entrepreneurs, and skilled artisans. In 2025, we’re taking the Street Food Arena and Artisan Markets to new heights. We’re excited to show guests our most dynamic selection of traders yet. We ask local businesses to get in touch if they would like to join us.” - Nikki Orrell, Festival Manager
The aforementioned Artisan Markets will feature an array of local businesses showcasing varying home-made crafts, freshly-baked goods, vibrant art, unique products, and more. Organisers hope to expand on the 70+ traders featured in their 2024 debut.
Those searching for refreshments can enjoy the event’s full ale house, serving craft ales, IPAs, and cask favourites. Alternatively, guests can indulge in signature cocktails, specialty spirits, aromatic wines, crisp ciders, and more from the event’s street of independent bars.
In partnership with Tyneside & Northumberland Mind, the festival hopes to add to the over £127,000 collectively raised for Mind in support of mental health initiatives across the north.
Limited Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Newcastle Food Festival, 31st May - June 1st, 2025, Leazes Park.
For more information, Early Bird Tickets, and updates, visit: https://newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com/
