About the Lichfield Food & Drink Festivals
The Lichfield Food & Drink Festivals are a long-established and much-loved fixture in Lichfield City Centre, having taken place for many years and becoming a recognised highlight in the city’s annual events calendar.
In summer 2025, Lichfield District Council took on the delivery of the festivals to ensure they continue as high-quality, accessible community events, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and celebrating the district’s thriving food and drink scene.
The festivals are well established, widely known and consistently well attended, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors over time and drawing audiences from across the West Midlands and the wider region.
Taking place throughout Lichfield City Centre, the events create a vibrant atmosphere across key streets and spaces, encouraging visitors to explore the city, support local businesses and spend time in the area.
Festival Dates
Spring Food & Drink Festival
Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 May 2026
A two-day event welcoming the new season, with strong local footfall and a focus on artisan produce, street food and drink traders.
Summer Food & Drink Festival
Saturday 29 – Monday 31 August 2026
Our largest event of the year, running across three days over the August bank holiday weekend, delivering significantly high visitor numbers.
Why trade at the Lichfield Food & Drink Festivals?
Trading at the Lichfield Food & Drink Festivals offers businesses the opportunity to be part of a trusted, high-profile city centre event with strong footfall and a proven audience.
High footfall & strong audiences
The festivals attract large, diverse crowds, including residents, day-visitors and tourists. This provides excellent opportunities for:
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Direct sales
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Brand exposure
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Customer engagement
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Repeat business beyond the event
Prime City Centre location
The festivals are delivered across Lichfield City Centre, benefiting from:
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A compact, walkable layout
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Busy shopping streets and public spaces
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Proximity to pubs, cafés, restaurants and cultural attractions
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A city with a strong track record of hosting major event
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Excellent transport links
Lichfield is easy to reach for visitors and traders alike, with:
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Direct rail connections to Birmingham, London and the wider West Midlands
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Strong road links via the A38, A5 and M6 Toll
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City centre car parks and public transport access
A well-managed, professional event
Delivered by Lichfield District Council, the festivals benefit from:
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Experienced event management and stewarding
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Clear trader guidance and communication
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Robust safety and event planning
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A supportive, professional approach to traders
Community-led
The festivals are run as community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more and support traders.
Support for local & Independent Businesses
We actively aim to:
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Showcase local and regional producers
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Support independent and start-up businesses
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Maintain a diverse, high-quality trader mix
This approach helps ensure a varied and engaging festival offer for visitors and strong outcomes for traders.