York Food and Drink Festival

York Food and Drink Festival is a year-round celebration of local and regional food and drink, with its main 10-day festival taking place each September. As a not-for-profit organisation, all proceeds from ticket sales are reinvested into the festival, helping it grow and improve each year. The York Food and Drink Festival began in 1997, originally focused on bringing celebrity chefs to York alongside a food market. In 2004, Michael Hjort became the creative director, and by 2007, the festival transitioned to a not-for-profit model in partnership with City of York Council. Since then, its mission has evolved to spotlight Yorkshire produce and culinary talent, offering cookery classes, demonstrations, and events that promote regional food and drink.

Michael Hjort, a Roux-trained chef, has been involved since the festival’s beginning. After returning to York in the 1990s, he opened Melton’s restaurant and later Melton’s Too, both known for using fresh, local ingredients. His passion for regional cuisine continues to shape the festival’s vision. York Food Festival aims to support local food producers, independent restaurants, and shops, while encouraging healthy, home-cooked meals through fun and educational workshops. It also seeks to highlight York’s rich food heritage and establish the city as a year-round culinary destination, transforming its streets with activities for all ages during the festival.