It feels like 2022 has really got off the ground now and at Devon Cookery School we’re settled into a joyful, energetic rhythm. Classes are bustling, we’re seeing new faces and returning friends, and already it feels like spring is just around the corner.
With that in mind, it feels like a great time to get things in the calendar to look forward to. Although it’s not clear what will happen this year with changing covid restrictions, we like to be hopeful and look ahead to sunny food and friend filled days. It’s more important than ever to have things to look forward to, and to spend time with loved ones.
Exeter Foodies Festival 16th - 18th September 2022
One thing we are super, super excited about is that we are taking part in Exeter Foodies Festival later in the year - get it in your diaries now! Join us between the 16th and 18th September 2022 at Escot Park to eat incredible food, sample delightful drinks, dance, listen to live music, and take part in cooking demos with top chefs - including our very own Jazzi.
Jazzi will be demoing on Saturday 17th at 4pm - keep your eyes peeled on our social media and blog for more details. She is already hard at work carefully concocting the most delicious demo you’ll ever see.
Alongside Jazzi, catch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred cooks, and top local chefs cooking up a fiesta of summer recipes in The Chefs Theatre. Join in with the fun and make your own mind blowing cakes in The Cake & Bake Theatre with expert bakers. You might even recognise some of the stars from a little show called Great British Bake Off - they’ll be sharing their best baking hints and tips live on stage. Over at the Drinks Theatre you’ll be able to taste new wines, champagnes and cocktails and nibble on global street food. There’s also an impressive music lineup featuring Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Scouting for Girls, Liberty X and more.
Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the big P, we’re waiting to hear whether this wonderful festival is going ahead for 2022. Usually taking place over 3 fabulous foodie days in Exeter’s historic and beautiful Northernhay Gardens, this is a ticketed event hosted in marquees - so no need to fear the rain! Previous events included demos from regional chefs in the Festival Cookery Theatre, and showcases from local producers like Darts Farm.
Abbfest 16th - 18th September 2022
Abbfest isn’t just a festival.. It’s an incredible volunteer run charity festival! On top of chef demos, children’s entertainment, food and craft stalls and live music, Abbfest also raises money for local charities and organisations. In the last 15 years Abbfest has raised over £250,000! You can find out more about the 22 charities they support over on their website. So apart from the incredible vibes and wonderful memories, head to Ipplepen in September to support local organisations. Once there, you’ll be able to tuck into street food from Meat 59, Authentic Thai Food, Lemon Jelli, Flaming Good Pizza Co and more.
Nourish Bovey Tracey September 10th 2022
Nourish has got to be a personal favourite! Held in the lovely Dartmoor town of Bovey Tracey, the festival climbs up Fore Street and spills into several surrounding buildings including the Methodist Hall, Whisky Distillery, and Make South West. All sorts of delicious and tempting food stalls from local producers are present, as well as live music and a carefully curated selection of crafters and makers. Expect Dartmoor Chilli Farm, Red Dog Bakery, Fredeas Peanut Butter, Artisan Chocolates Devon, Utopian Brewery and dozens more! Much of the time you’ll be speaking to small business owners and founders at the stall when you make your purchase - and you will definitely want to pick up several goodies from this festival!
Taste East Devon Festival September 3rd - 18th 2022
You read that right - the Taste Festival is 16 days of divine delicacies and foodie events to spice up your early autumn (or is it late summer?). With events to suit every budget - some ticketed and some free - everyone can join in. Founded by a group of the South West’s most adored local producers including River Cottage, Lympstone Manor, The Pig, Otter Brewery and Dart’s Farm as well as several Devon organisations, the festival takes place across Devon. You can travel near or far to join in and enjoy the hospitality of the diverse participants. At the time of writing the lineup wasn’t available, but keep an eye on the website for more details.
Exmoor Food Festival February 2022
It’s wonderful to have something to get excited about that’s just around the corner! Exmoor Food Festival takes place throughout February, helping the year start in the best way possible - full of delicious food! Celebrating Exmoor’s finest hospitality, every February a selection of fabulous restaurants and venues around Exmoor offer incredible, affordable dishes for only £10 per meal. Head over to the website to find participating restaurants, and double check with the venue of your choice that the Exmoor Food Fest deal is running on the day you intend to visit. You may require a voucher. This is a super opportunity to explore Exmoor food for less and discover future favourite venues.
Dartmouth Food Festival 21st - 23rd October 2022
Launched in 2002, the Dartmouth Food Festival has blossomed into a nationally loved event. Packed full of workshops, competitions, demonstrations and over 120 amazing hand picked exhibitors - the vast majority coming from Devon (70%) - it’s no wonder the Dartmouth Food Festival has such a fabulous reputation.
Reviewed by the Telegraph as a ‘heady mix of celebrity chefs, parties, food markets, tasting shacks and demonstrations’ the festival is absolutely unmissable. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?
The festival welcomes tons of very special guests, from internationally recognised chefs to celebrated writers and critics. Award-winning chef and restaurateur Mitch Tonks leads the festival, alongside a stellar array of household names from local and national food heroes.
So - which magnificent food festival will we see you at this year? Have we missed something from our list that you’d love to see featured? Drop us a comment below or on our social media to let us know!
