The filey food festival is a spectacular culinary event set against the breathtaking backdrop of Filey Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. Drawing food lovers, families, and curious visitors, this annual festival celebrates the finest local and international produce. With free admission and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder the event has become a must-visit attraction in 2025.
A Perfect Coastal Setting
Hosted in the Evron Centre Gardens and adjacent Crescent Gardens, the festival offers sweeping sea views and a relaxed, open-air environment. Visitors can meander between stalls under the sun or coastal breeze, turning a simple tasting trip into an immersive seaside experience,
When to Visit: 2025 Schedule
The festival runs across four weekends in 2025:
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19–20 April – spring kickoff
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7–8 June – early summer (10 am–5 pm each day)
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9–10 August – mid-summer feast
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11–12 October – autumn edition
Each edition showcases seasonal changes in produce and menu variety, ensuring fresh and diverse experiences throughout the year.
A Rich Mix of Stallholders
With over 65 stalls (often more than 75 during peak editions), the festival is a treasure trove of tastes:
Yorkshire Classics
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Fresh seafood—lobster, crab, caviar—often paired with Prosecco
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Artisan cheeses, savory Scotch eggs, freshly baked pies, chutneys, jams, and homemade cakes
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Small-batch chocolates and sweet treats for dessert lovers
International Street Food
Stalls dish up authentic cuisines from around the world, such as Greek souvlaki, Thai curries, German sausages, Spanish tapas, South African specialties, Mexican tacos, Caribbean jerk—and more .
Drinks Galore
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The Crescent Gardens “Star Bar” offers a wide selection of Yorkshire real ales with seating for a relaxed tasting experience
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Stalls also pour local wines, gin, vodka, rum, and gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options
Atmosphere and Accessibility
Family-friendly and fully accessible, the festival layout accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed—with cooking demos, scenic strolls, and people enjoying seaside conversations and Instagram-worthy backdrops .
Why It’s Worth Visiting
Free and Inclusive
There’s no entry fee, making it one of the most accessible gourmet events in the region.
Seasonal Flavour Ranges
Each edition highlights seasonal specialties—spring seafood, summer berries, autumn pies—ensuring every visit brings something fresh.
Supporting Local Producers
By championing small, local businesses—fishmongers, bakers, chocolatiers, brewers—the festival nurtures the community economy and offers visitors authenticity at every stall.
Scenic and Social
Beyond food, the coastal path, gardens, and sea views offer a delightful backdrop that elevates the festival experience beyond just tasting .
Planning Your Weekend Visit
Timing
Arrive at 10 am sharp to sample early or hit the afternoon session to enjoy a relaxed pace.
What to Bring
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Comfortable shoes for garden roaming
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A mix of cash and cards
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Refillable water bottle
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Light jacket or rain gear (gardens are semi-open)
Getting There
Located at 1a John Street, Filey, YO14 9DW
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By car: parking options available nearby
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By public transport: Filey station is walkable with occasional buses
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Wheelchair and stroller access: step-free, paved routes throughout
Nearby Activities
Combine your visit with a beach walk, a visit to the Victorian promenade, or an exploration of nearby North Yorkshire villages and moorland trails.
Insider Tips for a Memorable Day
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Share samplers with friends to taste a wider variety
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Use Crescent Gardens seating for scenic breaks
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Talk with stallholders for stories and best-sellers
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Bring reuseable containers to curb waste
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Capture the beauty—sea views, vibrant stalls—for memorable photos
Exploring the Seasonal Editions
Each quartet of dates brings its own charm:
| Edition | Dates (2025) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 19–20 April | Fresh seafood, light spring pies |
| Summer | 7–8 June | Early berries, warm-weather meals |
| Mid-Summer | 9–10 August | Peak street food, global flavors |
| Autumn | 11–12 October | Hearty comfort foods and preserved goodies |
Sampling across seasons lets you appreciate evolving menus and local rhythms.
Conclusion
The filey food festival is more than a food market—it’s a seasonal celebration by the sea. Free to attend, easily accessible, and bursting with authentic tastes and local pride, it stands out as a top-tier food event in Yorkshire. It brings together community, coastal beauty, and culinary diversity in one memorable package.
So whether your goal is savoring lobster by the bay, tasting artisan chocolates, or just enjoying a sunny weekend by the sea, the Filey Food Festival delivers.
