Less than one month to go to Nantwich Food Festival 2026

Just a few weeks until Nantwich is transformed into a hive of activity with two food courts plus the town centre market style exhibitor area, all filled with 200 exhibitors from near and far.

Add to that all the great entertainment and the reason why Nantwich Food Festival is so popular becomes clear. There is entertainment for all ages throughout the three day Festival – and of course entry to the Festival, chef demonstrations and most entertainment is free, with just the Cookalong sessions and Walking Tours having a fee attached. All this takes place over the weekend of Friday 4th- Sunday 6th September

The reason that the Festival can offer such great value and high quality is thanks to the generosity of the wonderful sponsors. Nantwich Town Council is the Headline Sponsor, consistently supporting the Festival; it recognises that such a high profile event brings in so much money to the town shops and eateries.

Local businesses AFH (formerly Applewood), Hall Smith Whittingham, Reaseheath College, Whitegates and Snugburys are all very long term sponsors and Boughey joined them a few years ago. Festival Chairwoman, Chris Farrall, is keen to express her thanks saying “We simply could not run Nantwich Food Festival without the financial help of our sponsors; their support makes all the difference.”

The most recent sponsor, Utowpia, sponsor the Bowling Green Music stage for the 2nd year, however Chris says “A special mention must be given to Mornflake, who last year celebrated an amazing 350 years in business. They are the longest Nantwich Food Festival sponsor, right back to the earlier Festival days; their lovely staff and products can be found – as usual in the Mornflake Pavilion.”

Turning now to live music; regulars will recall that the stage at Love Lane area is again sponsored by Snugburys while over at the Bowling Green area, the returning stage sponsor is Utowpia Caravans and Motorhomes. Both stages are managed by Silk Radio 1069 throughout the Festival weekend to keep the music flowing – just as we like it.

Friday live music has already been publicised, when we can expect the likes of Erika Ignata, Baxter, Kelley Tigerheart and XL5 to mention just a few, however Festival music organiser Kevin Lemon has booked some great new musicians for Festival Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday at Love Lane kicks off with Oktober Hollow, a four piece folk rock band with superb guitar and fiddle playing, witty & amusing – don’t miss them. Also new-to-Nantwich is Rachel Cowden, who will delight us next with soul and Motown on Saturday, whilst on Sunday she will be back at Snugburys stage wowing us with her renditions of Bassey sings Bond – definitely not to be missed.

Then Infrared: introduce elements of ’90s alternative rock & dream pop; think Wolf Alice and you get their drift.

The much admired local guys Oscar Phillips, followed by Marc Gallagher are next after which Kevin has sorted another new band: Blah de blah. Kevin says “They have taken some of our favourite songs from Blondie, Talking Heads, Diana Ross, The Smiths, The Specials, and Bob Marley and shaped them into a party-tastic set of dance floor fillers.”

Closing up for Festival Saturday at the Snugburys stage is Unit 17, the well-loved local, home-grown talent that is the Indie band with a great following.

Kevin tells us “Flow State kick off things at Utowpia stage on Saturday: an acoustic duo formed by an experienced vocalist and entertainer and a multi instrumentalist. They produce an eclectic set of acoustic rock, indie and contemporary covers to suit any audience.”

Kevin continues, saying “We are delighted to welcome again the popular Gemma Rose, energetic Kelley Tigerheart, fabulous Minstrels of Mischief and great duo, Baxter at the Utowpia stage with Crewe & Nantwich band ACRYLiC closing the night there.

ACRYLIC is a 5 piece band, known for energetic performances, playing popular indie songs from over the last 2 decades. They wowed us at Festival 2025, so are returning in style to close up for Festival Saturday.”

Festival Sunday sees a return of some of our favourite musicians, so if you didn’t see XL5, Gemma Rose or Oktober Hollow earlier in the weekend now is your chance at the Snugburys stage. Lucy Bevan, lead singer of Infra red, will bring an exclusive Jazz set to her home town of Nantwich. Powerful yet delicate, Lucy’s oozy tones will take us on a journey of fabulous covers to straight from-the-heart originals.

First up at the Utowpia stage on Festival Sunday is the popular Dave Chesworth, followed by New-to-Nantwich duo Humbug, an award winning guitar, vocals and keyboard duo, they are sure to get us up dancing.

Then we have the lovely guitarist and vocalist. Erika Ignata, whilst Good Habits close up for Festival 2026 over at Utowpia stage. A dynamic indie-folk band with all manner of instruments at their fingertips, Good Habits carve out music that is unapologetically fun – definitely not to be missed.

As usual there is plenty of family entertainment around the town square, with a real mix of solo artists, amazing choirs and not just two, but four bands! Add to that the usual high energy Friday evening entertainment and it will be a great time for all.

It doesn’t stop there though; Saturday and Sunday will see a return of the very popular Circus Academy all day long; this will keep children of all ages busy, developing coordination skills with all the equipment the Academy brings to the town centre. Finally, new to Nantwich on Festival Sunday through until after lunch, are the Domesday Morris Dancers, who are sure to entertain us.

For details of all events that take place over the Festival weekend and how to book your place on the Food History Walking Tours, please go to https://www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk/eventslist/

Places in the Cookalong sessions are filling fast, but there are still a few spaces available; you can book you place and learn from the experts how to produce memorable food/drinks via https://www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk/cookalong/

Finally, while you’re on the Festival website, don’t forget to vote for your favourite bars and eateries for the Nantwich Food Awards.