Temple Newsam serves up a weekend of food and fun

1 min read
August 17, 2026

Food, live entertainment and family activities filled Temple Newsam as the food festival returned to East Leeds for its second year.

The festival took place across the Temple Newsam Estate on Saturday and Sunday, with warm weather adding to the weekend atmosphere.

Organisers said the event had grown since its first celebration last year, with more independent businesses, activities and entertainment across the site.

More than 95 independent businesses took part in the Artisan Markets, selling sweet and savoury food, crafts, art, sauces, charcuterie and drinks.

A further 29 independent street food and dessert vendors served dishes inspired by cuisines from countries including Japan, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Jamaica, Malaysia, Venezuela, Greece, Hungary and Brazil.

Eleven independent bars were also based in the main arena, alongside the Soldier’s Ale House with Vocation Brewery.

Assistant Festival Manager Izaak Shuttleworth said the festival had received strong backing from the local community since its launch.

“There’s been an incredible amount of support from the local community since we launched last year. We’re quickly growing as an event and a community, and we can’t wait to celebrate that this weekend.”

The event also offered a range of family activities, including a free Foodie Clue Quest scavenger hunt, Viking cooking demonstrations, circus skills workshops and roaming comedy acts.

Interactive activities included target paintball, axe throwing workshops, Leeds Print Workshop and instrument workshops.

Four live stages provided entertainment throughout the weekend, with performers from across Yorkshire appearing during the afternoons.

The Soul Shebang, a tribute to soul music legends, headlined Saturday evening, while The Bootleg Bee Gees took the main Sunday evening slot.

The Cookery Theatre featured live demonstrations from 12 culinary experts, including MasterChef competitors, chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs.

The weekend marked the second annual celebration of the Temple Newsam Food Festival, following its debut in 2025.

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