Newcastle Food Festival announces new 'interactive arena' alongside
Organisers of The Newcastle Food Festival have confirmed full live music programme for the 2026 event in addition to a new area.
The event, which will take place over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, will see vendors from across the North East return to Exhibition Park.
Alongside the live music announcement, plans for a brand-new interactive arena have also been unveiled.
This will be the third year the event will run in the city centre.
Festival-goers can anticipate the return of the Cookery Theatre, Entertainers Stage, Street Food Arena, Artisan Markets and various family attractions. However, brand-new for 2026 is the introduction of The Sizzling Showdown Arena.
The arena is one of various attractions being introduced into the festival’s extensive entertainment programme, hosting a series of interactive competitions and activities that are completely free to participate in throughout the weekend.
Activities will include chilli challenges, dog shows and more.
Live music will come from local bands, up-and-coming performers and talented vocalists. Tribute acts will also be performing throughout the weekend.
Bands covering songs from Oasis, Pulp and The Beatles will headline each day from Saturday, May 2 until Monday, May 4.
After taking place in Leazes Park in 2025, the event returns to Exhibition Park this year - the home of the first Newcastel Food Festival.
Festival Director Michael Johnston spoke on the community atmosphere tied to the site: “The incredible community-atmosphere created at our debut event in Exhibition Park is something we can’t wait to recapture.
“It’s a weekend dedicated to celebrating the very best of Newcastle while enjoying easy-going entertainment with your favourite people.”