Due to lockdown restrictions from COVID-19, some of these festivals are either not going ahead of unconfirmed – I’ll keep you updated!
I don’t think festival season is never really over, right? Well, there’s plenty of Autumn Festivals coming up here in Northamptonshire!
As it’s officially the first day of Autumn, I thought it would be a great idea to share some of the Autumnal festivals the county has got coming up to get us into the season. Plus, after visiting the Daventry Food Festival which was run by Daventry Council, it really got me in the mood to start looking ahead at what’s to come.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved the summer just passed and Summer Festivals are some of my favourite to attend – but when things start to feel a bit cosier, the leaves start to crinkle and crisp, we see the first sights of Pumpkins, oranges and brown colours and we start saying hello to all the Autumn foodie sights, smells and tastes, it really gives me a tingle of excitement!
Food is always a big thing for me during Autumn, from Pumpkin flavoured drinks and desserts, hot pies, casseroles, chutneys and alcoholic drinks which we all want to stock up for ready for Christmas.
That’s why attending some of our local food festivals and fairs in Autumn is super ideal, as we approach Christmas (more on Christmas events in another blog post!)
So for now, get your diaries out, whether physical or on your phone and start adding these Northamptonshire events into your plans this Autumn.
Love Northampton Food Fair at The Guildhall Northampton
We start off with the Love Northampton Autumn Food Fair which follows on from the Spring Food Fair which I attended earlier this year.
Once again, it’s expected to be a mouth-watering showcase of local food & drink producers who will be gathering to give everyone inspiration for their Autumn food table. There’s going to be lots of delectable delights to taste, smell and demonstrations to see.
Already announced vendors and suppliers include BiteMe Spices, who really do tantalise your taste buds with their homemade sauces, rubs and seasonings. Dutch Delights, Northamptonshire’s Stroopwafel makers will be back with their classics as well as showcasing their Gourmet range.
Plus, The Little Smoke House will be bringing their cheeses, garlic and spice mixes which have all been smoked by hand. Nothing screams Autumn more than smoked food!
Entry is free and the event will run from 10:30am – 3pm.
Autumn Food Fair at Abington Park Museum
After the success of their Spring Food Fair, Abington Park Museum are bringing their 9th food fair to this gorgeous building. It’s another great opportunity to discover new flavours and indulge in some tasty autumnal treats.
The venue couldn’t be more perfect for a food fair, as there’s so many rooms to look in and discover, plus whilst you’re there, you may as well look around the museum and get educated too whilst you nibble on something.
There is already a HUGE list of local food and drink vendors and suppliers expected to attend and have a stall at, some I’m very familiar with, some of which I’m not and am excited to meet.
Friars Farm will be showcasing their botanical chutney tree and are going to be helping you stock up for your cheese boards and toast toppings with their chutney and jams and not forgetting their Red Wine Pickled Onions!
Farmer Lou will be there to sizzle their sausages and sizzle your taste buds. The Beer Garage are also there with their range of craft beers that are always never ending and sweet treats from Sorina Jeffs Cakes & Bakes.
Entry is free and the event runs from 11am – 5pm. No dogs allowed inside!
Find the event here on Facebook.
Autumn Food & Drink Festival at Moulton Community Centre
This is actually a new event for me and one I will be making sure to attend, as I’ve not had the pleasure of visiting the Moulton Community Centre before.
There’s not much yet that has been announced about the food festival yet, but I have been told there are lots of local stall holders lined up already. While you’re there, you can visit the Forget Me Not Cafe which is an exciting new cafe situated inside the community centre.
Entry is free and the event runs from 10:30am – 3:30pm.
Find the event on Facebook and watch out for more updates!
Autumn Fair at Delapre Abbey
There is something about Delapre Abbey at Autumn time which is just SO GORGEOUS! I have used this location when taking photos and when the trees start to go all golden and brown coloured and scatter the ground, it makes for a beautiful setting.
No wonder they are hosting their very own fair at the Abbey which involved pumpkins picking and carving, Wonky Pots will be selling their handmade pottery and ceramics, Easy V will be serving up their juices and seasonal hot chocolates and The Velvet Co will be in attendance to bring you autumnal candles to fill your home with seasonal smells.
I cannot wait! And another thing for your day out, head to the Orangery at Delapre Abbey and enjoy a stunning breakfast to start your day!
Read more: Northamptonshire’s Best Brunch Spots
Free entry and it runs from 11am – 4pm.
Find the event on Facebook here.
Northampton Winter Food Festival at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club
And finally, the Northampton Winter Food Festival will be coming back to the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and is one of the biggest going during Autumn.
I attended last year and despite the weather going from sunshine to showers, it filled me up with lots of Autumn feels. It’s run by the same man behind Towcester Food Festival and BiteStreet NN; Crispin Slee, so you know if any festival is run by the festival man himself, it’ll be good!
Tickets are available online and are available on the day. Adults £6 in advance then £8 on the door. Children under the age of 10 go free and children ten years above are £4. There is free parking on the day. The event runs from 10am – 5pm Saturday then 10am – 4pm Sunday.
Do yourselves a favour and go and support our local events, businesses and food & drink producers this Autumn. Northamptonshire is more than just the town centre and there is plenty of seasonal activities to sink your teeth into!