Janine GriffithsRoundhay Park will host a major weekend of food, music and family entertainment as the event returns to mark its tenth anniversary, with organisers promising their most ambitious programme to date.
The North Leeds Food Festival brings together new attractions, live performances and an expanded selection of independent traders, alongside a range of family-friendly activities spread across the park.
Organisers say the anniversary reflects a decade of community support and growth for the event.
Speaking about the event, festival director Michael Johnston, said: “This event is a massive milestone for us. Ten Years in Roundhay Park is something we don’t take for granted, and we have everybody who’s continued to support us over the years to thank. We’re truly grateful and are doing everything we can to make sure it’s a weekend to remember. Get ready for our most exciting, vibrant programme to date!”
The festival features several new additions this year, including the Sizzling Showdown Arena, created in partnership with Pure Pet Food. The arena will host three daily competitions that are free for ticket holders, including The Chilli Challenge, a Family Dog Show and a re-imagined Foodie Olympics.
Visitors will also be able to explore the Viking Heritage Kitchen, which offers a hands-on introduction to traditional Viking cooking methods. Elsewhere, Brazilian percussionist Claudio Kron will lead live samba performances across the site.
Family entertainment has been expanded with workshops from Amy Kelly Dance Academy, inflatable darts and mini-games hosted by Kingpins, and a fun fair featuring mini-golf courses.
Live music will run throughout the weekend, showcasing local artists, bands and community performers. Saturday evening will be headlined by The Mardy Bums, a UK Arctic Monkeys tribute act, while Sunday evening will close with Complete Madness, a long-running ska tribute band.
Cookery demonstrations will be hosted in the Cookery Theatre by Stephanie Moon, who will lead 12 sessions across the weekend featuring Michelin-recognised chefs, award-winning entrepreneurs and contestants from MasterChef, The Great British Menu and The Great British Bake Off.
Alongside the food and music programme, the Entertainers Stage will host circus workshops, comedy and magic performances from Matthew J Magic and Darren Mac, designed for families and mixed audiences.
Food and drink remain central to the event, with more than 35 independent street food and dessert traders offering dishes from around the world, including Vietnam, Greece, Jamaica, India, Mexico, Spain, Hungary, Malaysia, Canada and the United States.
A Full Ale House will serve Vocation IPAs and lagers, alongside 18 independent bars offering cocktails, wines, spirits, ciders, coffees, teas and flavoured lemonades.
The Artisan Markets will feature more than 100 local businesses and creators, offering food, crafts, art, homeware, beverages and handmade goods.
Leeds Mind continues its partnership with the festival, which organisers say has helped raise a combined £164,000 for Mind charities across the North over the past decade.
Full schedules, entertainment line-ups and final ticket details are available on the festival website.
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