When is Beccles Food and Drink Festival 2024?

Thousands of people fill the streets for the annual Beccles Food and Drink Festival which is said to be an entertaining and affordable day out for both foodies and families.

It celebrates the finest artisan food and drink from the local area and wider East Anglia.

The free-to-attend event, now in its ninth year, is scheduled for Saturday, May 25.

With over 60 stalls based in the centre of the vibrant market town, the event runs from 10am to 4pm and will also include delicious world street food, music and children’s entertainment.

Crowds touring the stalls in St. Michael's churchyard (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)The Local Flavours cookery theatre attracted large audiences (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)Last year's edition was the "biggest event yet", and the lead organiser and festival founder Paul Parravani hopes it can grow even more.

READ MORE: Beccles Food and Drink Festival 2023 hailed 'resounding' success

He said: “We are excited to welcome some new stall holders this year, and the organising team are hoping that our 2024 event will be as successful as previous years.

"The event continues to go from strength to strength, and has become a firm favourite in the calendars of both visitors and stall holders."

Good to Go receiving Mayor's Choice of Best Stall Appearance from Mayor Christine Wheeler, with award sponsors Mr and Mrs Sweeties (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)Crowds in New Market enjoying the stalls (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)

Joining returning local traders such as Maisebrooke Farm, Chet Vineyard and Fen Farm Dairy, stalls new to the event include Norfolk Raider Cider, Pinetree Bakery, and Fairfield Farm Crisps.

The Local Flavours mobile cookery theatre, a new feature in 2023, is set to return, offering aspiring chefs and bakers culinary inspiration from local chefs and students from East Coast College in Lowestoft.

A free park and ride shuttle service will run throughout the event from Beccles Quay, where additional parking will be available to supplement the town centre car parks.

If people do wish to help with the running of the event or wish to sponsor it they can get in touch via the contact section on the event's website: becclesfoodfestival.co.uk/contact/

The Penny Bun Bakehouse stall (Image: Beccles Food and Drink Festival)