THE Ilkley Food and Drink Festival returns to East Holmes Field on the June 15 and 16 and visitors can once again expect a celebration of international influence and local talent, expressed through global foods, independent drink, live music, and arts.

Making its highly anticipated return is the esteemed ‘Street Food Arena’. Showcasing an impressive array of global cuisines and cultural specialties, attendees can embark on a gastronomic journey, indulging in a vibrant selection of mouth-watering dishes.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

Accompanying the Street Food Arena are the renowned Artisan Market Places, hosting a diverse range of local traders, small businesses, and talented artisans. Featuring over 95 different traders, festival-goers can explore the range of offerings featured throughout the markets, such as local produce, fresh-baked goods, hand-made crafts, and art.

Complementing both of these features are the series of independent bars, each offering a variety of ciders, rum, gin, wine, and specialty cocktails. Furthermore, in partnership with Vocation Brewery is the event’s Full Ale House, serving craft ales, IPAs, and cask favourites on draught.

Michael Johnston, Festival Director, said: “Each year, we strive to make our production and entertainment better than the last. We’re really excited to debut the changes we’ve made and showcase the acts we’ve brought in.”

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

Following the success of last year’s tribute acts, the festival welcomes two brand-new electrifying performers. On Saturday, June 15 will be ‘The Beautiful Martins’, tribute to the legacy of Paul Heaton. With covers of classics from The Beautiful South and The House Martins, families are invited to sing along to renditions of timeless tunes such as ‘Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)’ and ‘Happy Hour’.

Taking the stage on Sunday, June 16, is Oli as Oli Murs, tribute to the pop sensation of the early 2010’s. With his charismatic stage presence and gripping vocals, guests can immerse themselves in nostalgic chart-toppers. Both days of the event are packed with some of the most talented local acts in the region; soloists, bands, and choirs take stage throughout the day, performing captivating covers and original tunes.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

Food enthusiasts can look forward to the Live Cookery Theatre. Presented In Partnership with Yorkshire Food Guide, the Cookery Theatre provides a stage for renowned chefs to unveil the secrets and techniques of culinary mastery. Paving the way to the creation of delectable dishes are talented cookery experts, such as Owen Diaram of the 19th series of MasterChef, Johnny Purnell of The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, and Natalia Firth, founder of ‘The Natural Chef’.

A series of entertainment options are available throughout the day, tailored to family and friends of all ages and cultures: The Live Entertainers Stage, featuring six daily Performing Arts & Magic Shows; Kids Activities, such as Quizzes, Fact Hunts and Roaming Comedy; a Funfair, with rides for both children and adult thrill-seekers, and an Inflatable Land.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

This year, the festival is unveiling two brand-new experiences. Firstly, in collaboration with the event’s traders are the On Site Food Tours. Over six sessions throughout the weekend, participants can embark on a culinary journey, savouring five distinct tasting sessions of global cuisines. Saturday, June 15, additionally hosts “The Discount Comedy Checkout: Improvised Family Show”, an award-winning improv comedy show. At 5pm in the Live Cookery Theatre, families are encouraged to join an interactive comedy experience packed with audience participation and unforgettable laughs.

The event also caters to a range of entertainment preferences, fostering a day of amusement tailored to all ideas of leisure. Complementary festival programmes are provided to attendees in hope of ensuring each guest can experience all the event has to offer. Whether it’s relaxing on the comfy furniture spread around the site, or immersing yourself in the electrifying live entertainment, the event ensures an engaging and vibrant way to enjoy the afternoon.

(Image: Stephen Midgely, Break Point Media)

The festival will partner with Bradford Mind, a charity committed to supporting mental health initiatives across the north. Through activities across the event, and optional donations on ticket sales, the festival hopes to add to the over £100,000 already raised.

For tickets visit www.ilkleyfoodfestival.com