Southport Food and Drink Festival 2023: Everything you need to know

Southport Food and Drink Festival 2023 has taken over Victoria Park once again for the tastiest weekend of the year.

One of the region’s biggest and best-loved food and drink events is back this weekend and it’s going to be absolutely glorious weather for Southport Food and Drink Festival.

What could be better than all kinds of different dishes freshly cooked at food stalls, chilled drinks, local produce and entertainment all on one lovely park site?

If you’re planning a trip to Southport Food and Drink Festival, and it’s huge so it does attract thousands of people every year, make sure you pack the suncream and a big appetite – here’s everything you need to know …

When and where is it happening?

Southport Food and Drink Festival is on all weekend, Friday June 2 to Sunday June 4, at Victoria Park in Southport, between 10am and 6pm each day.

Do I need a ticket?

No, admission is free.

What kind of food and drink will be there?

The festival is an absolute foodies’ heaven because there are so many different stalls to choose from covering everything from crepes, gourmet burgers, wings, tacos and churros, to paella and curry. There’s well over 100 street food and drink vendors including 2 Sisters Thai, Hectors Mexicana, JJ’s Caribbean Kitchen, Piggie Smalls, Tandoor-i Street Food, Spuds & Bro’s Poutine, Tik Taco and Down & Oot plus loads more.

There’s a great selection of ice creams, coffees, shakes and slush, and fresh squeezed fruit juices too. If you fancy something a bit stronger then you’ll find speciality stalls selling wines, gin, vodka, cider, beers and fizz.

What about taking something tasty home?

Lots of producers will be getting together at the festival so you’ll be able to buy – and maybe get a cheeky sample – things like handmade cheeses, sausages, sweet and savoury pies, chutneys and olives. For anyone with a sweet tooth, there’ll be desserts including cheesecake, cakes and bakes, doughnuts and delicious handmade fudge.

Is there anything else apart from food and drink?

Yes, there’s an entertainment marquee with local bands and musicians, DJs keeping the party going every day in the Flair ‘n’ Funk stand, as well as outdoor fun, arts and crafts for little ones.

On Saturday, the entertainment line-up is:

11am – Express Performing Arts Academy; 11.45am – Mystic Bass; 1pm – The Savoy Jazzmen; 2.15pm & 3.15pm – The Wanderers; 4.30pm – Wesley David

And on Sunday:

11am – U3A Choir; 12pm – Madukes ukulele; 1.15pm – Mystic Bass; 2.30pm – Kelly Bond; 3.45pm – Seas of Neptune

The Flair ‘n’ Funk stand has:

Saturday: 10-12pm – Adam Rynhart; 12-2pm – Coro; 2-4pm – Miech Martin; 4-6pm – Channe

Sunday: 10-12pm – Andy Parkinson; 12-3pm – Carol Gilboy & Howard Bevan; 3-6pm – Adam Rynhart & Andy Parkinson

Is Southport Food and Drink Festival dog-friendly?

Dogs are welcome, you just need to remember to keep them on a lead.

Where’s the best place to park if I’m bringing the car?

Parking is available at Southport Eco Centre Esplanade Park and Ride. Park and ride costs £2 per ticket and buses run every 10 minutes on Saturday and then on Sunday it’s £5 for a pay on entry car park only.