Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell among headliners at accrington food & drink festival 2025
Accrington town centre is set to host a feast for the senses this summer, as the Accrington food & drink festival 2025 returns with an even bigger and bolder programme. The free event, scheduled for saturday, 7th june, from 10am to 4pm, will offer a rich blend of culinary delights, family entertainment, and poignant commemorations for D-Day and VE/VJ Day.
In a highlight sure to draw food lovers from far and wide, the festival will welcome Michelin-starred chef and popular TV personality Glynn Purnell. Known as the ‘Yummy Brummie’, Purnell will take to the main stage on Broadway for two live cooking demonstrations at 10:30am and 2:30pm, where he will showcase his culinary flair and passion for accessible fine dining.
Visitors will also be treated to a special demonstration from the North Lancs Training Group (NLTG) at 11:30am, featuring the much-loved local fish and chip establishment, Bramwell’s Fish. NLTG students will demonstrate their ‘boat to plate’ ethos, celebrating the region’s fishing heritage and sustainable practices.
A feast for all the senses
Foodies will be spoilt for choice with 80 food and drink stalls taking over Broadway and Blackburn Road, serving up the best in local, regional, and international cuisine. From street food favourites to artisan producers, the festival promises something to satisfy every palate.
For those who simply cannot wait, continental food stalls will open a day early on Friday, 6th June, offering delights from across Europe from 10am to 4pm on Broadway.
Family-friendly fun and nostalgia
Beyond the culinary temptations, the festival boasts a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment. Younger visitors can explore a fun and educational 1940s-themed children’s trail, while vintage fairground rides add to the festive spirit.
Broadway will also be home to a quirky Café Rene-themed café, recreating the feel of the iconic sitcom, and live 1940s wartime tunes will echo through the streets, courtesy of roaming performers Christopher and The Robins.
Honouring history
A key feature of the festival will be its respectful commemoration of D-Day and VE/VJ Day. At 1pm, the grounds of St James Church will host a powerful live war re-enactment, complete with a haunting performance by a lone piper from the renowned Accrington Pipe Band.
At precisely 2:43pm, the skies over Accrington will be filled with the unmistakable sight and sound of a Douglas C47 Dakota flypast, offering a stirring tribute to those who served.
Military history enthusiasts will also be able to explore a display of authentic military vehicles, including a Gaz Truck and a Scorpion Tank, providing unique photo opportunities. For the first time, the event will welcome the Veterans Living History Museum and their mobile exhibition, featuring hundreds of wartime artefacts, including an original WWII motorbike.
Back by popular demand is the Spitfire Simulator Experience, offering visitors the chance to step inside a life-sized WWII Spitfire cockpit and take to the virtual skies. Tickets are priced at £10 per session and can be pre-booked online.
Bringing the community together
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Organisers are encouraging attendees to don their best 1940s attire, immersing themselves fully in the nostalgic atmosphere and bringing history to life on the streets of Accrington.
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “This year is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet, with over 10,000 people expected to attend. It’s a fantastic event that brings people together to celebrate food, heritage, and community. We are proud to offer such a rich and entertaining programme, with something for everyone.”
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, added: “This is a brilliant example of how we can celebrate our community, heritage, and culture in one day. It is wonderful to see how the festival has grown year on year, with the continued support of the Council.”
Gareth Lindsay, Managing Director at NLTG, commented: “This is an event we love being part of, and the plans for this year are particularly exciting. Our students have thoroughly enjoyed working on the ‘boat to plate’ initiative, and it will be fantastic to see them on the main stage, contributing to this extraordinary day of celebration and remembrance.”
