Clitheroe Food Festival 2026: Your Complete Visitor Guide
Food lovers from across Lancashire and beyond will once again descend on Clitheroe this August as the hugely popular Clitheroe Food Festival returns for another fantastic day celebrating the very best local food and drink.
Taking place on Saturday 8th August 2026, the award-winning festival transforms the historic market town into a giant open-air food market packed with artisan producers, street food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Best of all, entry is completely free.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
When is the Clitheroe Food Festival?
- Date: Saturday 8th August 2026
- Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm
- Location: Clitheroe town centre
- Admission: Free
The festival is organised by Ribble Valley Borough Council and has become one of the UK’s leading one-day food festivals, attracting around 25,000 visitors every year.
Why is the Clitheroe Food Festival so popular?
The festival showcases the incredible food and drink produced across the Ribble Valley and Lancashire while also welcoming award-winning producers from elsewhere in the UK.
Visitors can expect:
- Artisan cheeses
- Fresh breads and pastries
- Handmade pies
- Locally reared meats
- Ice cream and dairy products
- Cakes and sweet treats
- Craft beers
- Spirits and gin
- Wines
- Street food from around the world
With dozens of exhibitors filling the streets, there’s something for every taste and budget.
More than just food
While the food is undoubtedly the star of the show, the festival offers much more than shopping and sampling.
Throughout the day you’ll also find:
- Live music
- Street entertainment
- Family-friendly activities
- Demonstrations and tasting sessions
- A vibrant atmosphere throughout the town centre
Clitheroe itself adds to the experience, with its independent shops, cafés, traditional market and historic castle all within easy walking distance. Many visitors make a full day of it by exploring everything the town has to offer.
Getting to the festival
As thousands of visitors are expected, planning your journey is highly recommended.
By car
Many town centre car parks are reserved for exhibitors, so organisers strongly recommend using the official Festival Park & Ride service.
The Park & Ride costs £6 per vehicle, which includes transport into Clitheroe for everyone travelling in the car.
By train
Clitheroe railway station is only a short walk from the town centre, making rail one of the easiest ways to arrive without worrying about parking.
By bus
Regular bus services connect Clitheroe with nearby towns including Blackburn, Burnley and Skipton.
Top tips for visitors
Arrive early
The festival opens at 9am, but experienced visitors know that arriving early means easier parking, shorter queues and the best chance of picking up popular products before they sell out.
Bring reusable shopping bags
You’ll almost certainly leave with more than you planned to buy.
Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll spend plenty of time walking around the town centre exploring dozens of stalls.
Bring cash and a card
Most traders accept card payments, but having some cash can still be useful.
Stay hydrated
If the weather is warm, remember to drink plenty of water between all those delicious food samples.
Is the festival family friendly?
Absolutely.
The Clitheroe Food Festival has become a favourite day out for families thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, live entertainment and variety of food suitable for all ages.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome, although organisers advise owners to remember that the town centre becomes extremely busy during the event.
Accessibility
The festival is held throughout Clitheroe town centre using streets and pavements. Demonstration and tasting venues are designed to be accessible, and Blue Badge parking is available in council car parks, excluding Market Car Park, which closes for the event. Public toilets are available at several locations around the town.
Make a weekend of it
If you’re travelling from further afield, why not turn your visit into a weekend exploring the Ribble Valley?
The area is renowned for:
- Clitheroe Castle
- The Forest of Bowland National Landscape
- Scenic walking routes
- Award-winning country pubs
- Boutique accommodation
- Independent shops
- Traditional Lancashire villages
The festival also follows Ribble Valley Taste Fest, a week-long celebration featuring food events across the borough, making August one of the best times to visit the area.
Final thoughts
The Clitheroe Food Festival has earned its reputation as one of Lancashire’s must-visit events. Combining outstanding local produce, talented artisan makers, live entertainment and the unique charm of Clitheroe itself, it’s easy to see why thousands return year after year.
Whether you’re searching for your next favourite cheese, discovering local gin, enjoying freshly prepared street food or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the festival promises a memorable day out for visitors of all ages.
If you’re planning a visit, arrive early, come hungry and be prepared to leave with bags full of delicious local produce.
