Brighton Food and Drink Festivals Spring 2026

Spring in Brighton is finally here, and with it comes the usual buzz around our local food scene. We’ve just seen the results of the Brighton Restaurant Awards (BRAVO) 2026, which were announced on 31 March. This year was a bit of a milestone as it marked their 10th anniversary, and the public turnout was massive with over 71,000 votes cast. It’s a good time to check out which of your local favourites picked up an award before the summer crowds really start to take over the city's dining spots.

Looking ahead to May, the Foodies Festival is returning to Preston Park from Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May 2026. It’s their 21st birthday this year, so the setup is looking quite extensive. They’ll be open from 11:00 to 21:00 on Saturday and Sunday, and until 20:00 on the Bank Holiday Monday. If you’re planning to head down, it’s about a five-minute walk from Preston Park station. The lineup for the Chefs Theatre and Baking Theatre includes some familiar faces from MasterChef and Bake Off, alongside local chefs like Steven Edwards, Sophie Surgue, and Kanthi Thamma. There’s also a new 'Ready Steady Cook Off' and a Tasting Theatre specifically for cheese and chocolate if you're looking for something more interactive than just watching a demo.

Beyond the food, the music schedule for the weekend is fairly varied. Scouting For Girls are playing on Saturday, and Boyzlife—featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy—are set for Monday, with B*witched also on the bill. For those who usually have to leave their pets at home, the festival is dog-friendly as long as they are on a short lead. They’ve even added a 'Dogs’ Dinner' event this year. There are a few different ticket options depending on how much access you want; advance adult tickets are £23.00, while family tickets for two adults and two kids are £52.00. If you want to avoid the queues or get closer to the chefs, the platinum tickets include VIP lounge access and reserved seating in the theatres.

The festival site will be packed with the usual artisan markets and the Street Food Village, but they’ve added some new areas for 2026 like the Wellbeing Village and a 'Kitchen Disco' for the evening. If you’re into spicy food, the chilli challenge is still a fixture on the Fire Stage. It’s a solid option for a bank holiday weekend outdoors, especially with the mix of local talent and the international food stalls. Whether you're there for the music or to pick up some tips in the Drinks Theatre with Tom Surgey, it covers most bases for a day out in the park.