An incredible number of festivals and cultural events take place in Leeds, and the North Leeds Food Festival is one of them. Today, we’d like to tell you about the history and growth of this exciting event. You can read more on leedski.com.
What is the North Leeds Food Festival?
The idea for the North Leeds Food Festival was born in 2017, with the goal of creating a family-friendly celebration that would bring people together through shared meals and English culinary traditions. The founders set out to create more than just a street food event — their vision included promoting independent drinks producers, live music, art, and charitable initiatives. From the beginning, the festival focused on showcasing local artisans and culinary experts alongside global flavours.
The festival is held in Roundhay Park, which is transformed into a hub of gastronomic delights, live music, and entertainment.
Over the years, the festival has expanded significantly. By 2024, the event featured over 35 street food vendors and more than 100 artisan market stalls, offering everything from gourmet produce and desserts to a wide variety of drinks. The festival also presents top regional chefs, family cooking workshops, and diverse entertainment.
Attracting Thousands of Visitors
The North Leeds Food Festival is held annually and continues to break attendance records. For example, in May 2025, visitors enjoyed not only delicious food but also a packed entertainment programme. The expanded Street Food Arena featured over 35 independent street food and dessert vendors offering cuisines from around the world. Meanwhile, the Artisan Markets boasted more than 105 independent traders selling sweet and savoury treats, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a range of artisanal products.
Entertainment highlights in 2025 included a performance by The UB40 Experience, a popular tribute band honouring one of Britain’s most iconic reggae groups. Headlining the event was The Kaiser Thiefs.
The organisers also ensured fun for children. There were food-making workshops by Artisan Cooks, as well as wellness and massage sessions. Events like the North Leeds Food Festival play a vital role in the region’s tourism sector.
The festival has evolved into a prominent regional brand, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, boosting the local economy, and promoting environmental sustainability. Its modern concept combines culinary diversity, cultural engagement, and social responsibility, making it a key event not only for Leeds but for the North of England as a whole.
As you may have guessed, the North Leeds Food Festival offers a vast range of dishes — from classic barbecues and grill menus to Mediterranean, Thai, and North African cuisine, as well as innovative fusion creations. Visitors can also enjoy sweets, snacks, cheeses, baked goods, and a variety of alcoholic and soft drinks — all accompanied by live music and engaging masterclasses.
That’s the story of the North Leeds Food Festival. We hope you found our article informative and that you’ve learned something new about your city. Do you enjoy food festivals? Let us know in the comments on our social media platforms.