Ginger and Spice Festival 2023

 

Are your taste buds tingling yet? Whether you are a food geek or you are seeking the ultimate family day out, the Ginger and Spice Festival 2023 is the place to be! If you are looking for an authentic community atmosphere, food, music and fun, this one's for you...

The annual festival celebrates the culinary heritage and history of the rural Shropshire town of Market Drayton (UK) - famous for a revered local gingerbread. The festival is dedicated to all things ginger and spice and will take place for the 30th year this September. It's one of the friendliest festivals and artisan street markets you can visit in the country. So, who's up for the adventure? 

 

Will it be the cinnamon ice cream or a ginger ale... or both? The Ginger and Spice Festival 2023 is not only a food festival but a music festival too! Hear the sweet jazzy notes ring through the air in the bustling market and choose from a selection of delectable treats at each street food counter!

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant spicy street market including everything from hand-iced gingerbread, boozy ginger cakes, chai fudge and cinnamon ice cream to ginger ales, aromatic gins and hot spicy street food. There will be the James Du Pavey Food Theatre located under the historic stone portico Buttercross with national, regional and top local chefs.

Other events include a floating market on the nearby towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal, a Fodder and Tipple trail with tasty stop-offs including beer sampling, street entertainers, the Palethorpes Children’s Cookery Theatre, live comedy with Anuvab Pal, and a grand finale jazz concert in the historic St Mary’s Church in the centre of the town.

Ain't no party like a rural market town party, am I right? Located in the centre of town this beautiful historical attraction has so many activities for kids and parents to get stuck into. It's one of the best food & drink festivals in the UK and is a must-visit this September! 

 

There will be several competitions including gingerbread decorating and new for 2023 - a gingerbread biscuit eating contest!

The festival is also committed to exploring the town’s historic cross-cultural connections through collaborative events and activities both in person and online.

The multi-award-winning festival takes place during, British Food Fortnight, a national celebration of all that is local and seasonal during the traditional harvest time.

Most events are free of charge, but some fringe events are ticketed - see the website www.gingerandspicefest.co.uk & go to the What’s On section for further information.

 

If you are travelling via car, the festival is located off the A53 in between Newcastle under Lyme and Shrewsbury. The villages of Loggerheads, Hinstock and Audlem are nearby, also the towns of Whitchurch and Nantwich. There are lots of car parks in the town centre to choose from. 

If you are travelling via train, the nearest train stations are Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Crewe or Shrewsbury. Most of these railway lines are connected to Market Drayton via bus. Please bear in mind you will need to change bus to and from Staffordshire as the routes are not direct.

 

- Experience street food, music, culture & history

- Interactive activities & competitions

- Event begins in September.