There are plenty of regional food festivals this month, and seafood, cheese and cherries get a special mention.
July-31 August
Strawberry Tea
Nationwide, UK
Raise money in aid of Breast Cancer Care by holding a Strawberry Tea for your friends or colleagues. You can organise the event any way you like, be it strawberry muffins for breakfast or an afternoon tea with scones and fresh strawberries, or if you are feeling decadent strawberries and champagne. Events are held across the country – if you can’t find one near you why not organise your own? Website.
1-31 July 2009
Hampshire Food Festival
Across Hampshire
A month-long celebration of the finest food and drink Hampshire has to offer. Over 140 events will be taking place across the county including farm tours, country walks, and a chance to learn how to grow and cook local produce with advice from those who know. Chris Mackett, head chef at The Peat Spade Inn, has devised a lunch menu made up from food which has been grown and produced in the Hampshire area only. Chris has drawn upon his Michelin starred experience to design the lunch menu which will be available all week between 6th-12th July. Website.
2-5 July 2009
Leeds Loves Food Festival
Leeds city centre, Yorkshire
This festival will include a number of exciting events in restaurants and food venues in the Yorkshire city as well as special offers and promotions. Check out the summer food fete in the Victoria Quarter organised by Harvey Nichols or take a walk on the city centre chocolate trail. Website.
2-5 July 2009
Leeds Loves Food Festival
Leeds city centre, Yorkshire
This festival will include a number of exciting events in restaurants and food venues in the Yorkshire city as well as special offers and promotions. Check out the summer food fete in the Victoria Quarter organised by Harvey Nichols or take a walk on the city centre chocolate trail. Website.
5 July
Traditional Cumberland Sausage Day
Nationwide
2008 saw the first Cumberland Sausage Day with cook-offs in Carlisle town centre. The campaign came about as a means of raising awareness and gathering support for Cumberland Sausage producers to gain Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status and to promote the quality of traditionally-made Cumberland Sausage. Farmers, producers, hotels and restaurants all take part in the event. Website.
Cumberland sausage recipe
9-12 July
Taste of Birmingham
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
The Taste Festivals (pictured) continue apace; this month the finest restaurants in the Midlands come together in leafy Canon Hill Park to showcase their menus. A great day out. Website.
10-12 July
Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival
Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff
Part of the Cardiff Festival, this food event showcases culinary delights from around the world. Exhibitors from as far afield as Norway and South Africa will be there alongside the cream of Welsh producers. Sample some of the finest food and drink Wales (and the world) has to offer. Website.
10-12 July
Bristol Wine and Food Fair
Lloyds Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square, Bristol
Sample and buy produce from the food and drink market, watch top chefs including Barny Haughton and Martin Blunos demonstrate seasonal dishes, and learn how to pair wine and cheese in the Cheese and Wine marquee. Website.
11-12 July
Dorset Seafood Festival
Weymouth Old Harbour, Dorset
Chefs Mitch Tonks and Mark Hix share their culinary tips on filleting and cooking fish, plus you’ll be able to buy freshly prepared dishes made from seafood landed straight from the boats. A perfect excuse to visit this charming seaside town. Website.
11 -12 July
Pontefract Liquorice Festival
Pontefract Castle and Pontefract Town Centre, West Yorkshire
Celebrating Pontefract's heritage and its association with liquorice. Events will include traditional arts, craft, music and performances, street entertainment, a carnival procession, live bands, workshops, fairground, liquorice exhibitions and talks. Website.
14-16 July
Great Yorkshire Show
Rudding Park, Harrogate
Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager is to headline the cookery demonstrations at the 2009 Great Yorkshire Show, a big summer event that incorporates food stalls and cookery demos with live entertainment, horse-jumping, livestock shows and more. Website.
16-18 July
CherryAid
Borough Market, London, plus regional events nationwide
Cherry lovers across the nation, rejoice! It’s the 2nd annual National Cherry Day, highlighting the vulnerable British cherry to venues all around the country. Foodlovers Britain is behind the CherryAid campaign to raise the profile of the British Cherry. Events include visits to cherry orchards, a special CherryBake and celebrity chef demonstrations at London’s Borough Market. Website.
Cherry recipes
18-19 July
Glasgow Foodies Festival
George Square, Glasgow
Presenting the finest food and drink Scotland has to offer. There will be cookery demonstrations from the nation's top chefs as well as over 100 exhibitors. Website.
18-26 July
Whitstable Oyster Festival
Whitstable, Kent
Whitstable's fishing heritage dates back to Norman times; since then the fishermen have celebrated with an annual ceremony on the feast day of St James of Compostella, who is patron saint of oysters. The tradition continues with this week-long festival of food, music and entertainment. Website.
Special oyster recipe
24-26 July
The Big Cheese
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
There's a lot to be said for British eccentricity – the Caerphilly Cheese Festival kicks off with a fancy dress relay race where participants carry a truckle of cheese around the grounds of the castle. Throughout the weekend there'll be a wide range of entertainment including music, dance, a traditional funfair, folk dancing, falconry, fire eating and the all-important food hall. Website.
25-26 July
Tapas Fantasticas
Albert Square, Manchester
A free festival created by Wines from Rioja celebrating Spanish tapas, Rioja wines and lifestyle. Susy Atkins and Olly Smith will be giving wine talks and tastings, while some of the North West’s top Spanish restaurants will be serving tapas. Plus music, dancing and children's activities.
26 July
British BBQ Championships and Festival
Laverstock Park, Hampshire
A flame-fuelled day of fun for the family with a number of activities on offer such as farm tours and summer fete classics like coconut shies, plus hog roasts and barbecues. Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson will be one of the judges deciding which BBQ team will win the coveted title of Britains Best BBQ-er. Website.
28-29 July
Nantwich International Cheese Show
Dorford Park, Nantwich, Cheshire
This is the world’s largest annual cheese show, held in a vast air-conditioned marquee to ensure the cheeses are served in perfect condition. An incredible 2,250 cheeses from 24 countries will be presented at the show where you can both taste and buy your favourites from this amazing range. Website.
Cheese recipes