Edible Forest Festival returns to Charnwood Forest in September

The annual Edible Forest Festival returns this September to celebrate the best in local food and drink at unique and iconic settings around the ancient woodland of Charnwood Forest.

From September 7-15, 2019, there will be a range of tasty food and drink events including afternoon tea in the iconic Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, dining under the stars in one of our unique dining pods, Trappist Brewery Tours, Safari Supper around Charnwood’s finest eateries and another outstanding Secret Gourmet evening with Michelin star holder, Chef John Duffin.

New events at this year’s Edible Forest Festival include a cider tasting night, cheese pairing and a vegan day. Additional new events will be announced shortly. People can sign up at www.edibleforest.co.uk to make sure that they get first in the queue when tickets go on sale.

The Edible Forest festival was created by Leicestershire Promotions and is supported by Charnwood Borough Council and Everards.

Secret Gourmet

Enjoy a gastronomic experience with a forest-inspired menu created by Michelin star holder, Chef John Duffin. The Secret Gourmet unique forest location will remain a secret until days before the event.

Trappist Brewery Tour

There will be a unique opportunity to take a tour of the UK’s only Trappist brewery at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. You can discover the art of traditional monastic brewing at one of only 12 Trappist breweries in the world. One of the monks will propose a guided tour of the plant, which is operated exclusively by the community. The tour will end with a beer tasting.

Tea in the Tower, Old John, Bradgate Park

One of the favourites of the festival is afternoon tea in the iconic Old John in Bradgate Park.  You can enjoy delicious homemade produce whilst enjoying the spectacular views over from this amazing vantage point.

Dining pods in the heart of the Forest, Abbots Oak, Copt Oak

The unique dining pods make a welcome return to the festival for a second year. Set in ancient woodland, diners can enjoy an intimate picnic of tasty local produce in one of the pods or enjoy dinner whilst watching the evening stars.

Edible Forest Breakfast, Bradgate Park

Build up an appetite with an early morning ranger-led tour around Bradgate Park where you will learn all about the edible produce that can be found within the park. After the walk you can tuck into a well-deserved, hearty breakfast made up of tasty local produce.

Safari Supper

Hop on the vintage Midland Red bus and dine around the forest, enjoying a different course of wonderful local forest food at some of the best pubs in Charnwood, exploring the ancient forest on your way.

Cider tasting night, Mash & Press, Albion Street, Anstey

Charnwood Cider will be offering a brewery tour and cider and ale tasting session at their new home, the Mash and Press in Anstey. You can find out how this delectable local produce is created from Rob and his team, and find out which of the many ciders and ales created are your favourite.

Cheese pairing

A truly unique event where you will get to sample a wide selection of regional artisan cheeses, each carefully matched with local ale, cider, wine and cordial, beautifully presented and under the expert tutelage of our very own Cheese Meister!

Vegan day

Look out for our very special event when our famous ‘Tea in the Tower’ goes vegan for a whole day.

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicestershire Promotions said: “We’ve delighted to bring back some of our amazing favourites from last year, as well as a few new events, specially-created to tickle your tastebuds! Events have traditionally sold out very quickly so our advice is to book early and avoid disappointment.”