York Food Festival

York Food Festival runs events throughout the year celebrating local and regional food and drink, with the main 10-day festival held at the end of September.

It is a not-for-profit organisation, and any money generated from ticket sales goes back into the festival to improve it year after year!

History of the Festival

York Food Festival began in 1997 and was initially run by the local tourism partnership. Originally, the festival aimed to bring celebrity chefs to York and host a food market around them.

In 2004, Michael Hjort became the creative director, and by 2007, the festival transitioned to a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with City of York Council. Since then, the festival has focused on Yorkshire produce, chefs, and education, offering cookery lessons, demonstrations, and events celebrating Yorkshire food and drink.

The Festival Directors

Michael Hjort – Artistic Director – trained with Roux Restaurants. In the 1990s, he returned to York to open Melton’s restaurant with his wife Lucy. They later opened The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, known for using local, seasonal produce cooked to order. Michael has been part of York Food Festival since its inception in 1997.

Our Aims

• To promote local food producers, independent restaurants, and retailers in York.
• To provide educational and fun workshops and cookery demonstrations to encourage healthy, homemade, and locally sourced food.
• To establish York as a culinary hotspot year-round, building on its chocolate-making heritage, historic markets, and Yorkshire’s talented food specialists.
• To transform the city streets during the festival with activities for all ages to enjoy.

Overlooked Aspects of the Festival

Schools Programme – The programme invites York primary schools to attend workshops and demonstrations from local producers and chefs. Over 700 students attend each year to learn about cooking local, healthy meals. To register your interest, please email us.

Junior Chefs Competition – This competition allows young food enthusiasts to showcase their cooking skills, with one participant ultimately earning the title of Junior Chef of the Year. To sign up, please email us.

An estimated 400,000 visitors are expected over the ten days in September, along with 1,000 school children.