02.03.26

11th September – 13th September 2026

Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, Ludlow is a town steeped in history and renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The Ludlow Food Festival, is the UK's original food festival, which has been celebrating the finest local and seasonal produce from the Marches region since 1995. Visitors can explore a programme of cooking demonstrations, workshops, and tastings, all while discovering over 100 independent food and drink producers.

  • Platter of grilled shrimp with a side of black olives on a wooden table.
  • Outdoor event with a chalkboard sign titled 'The Fire Stage' listing names and times.
  • Two people in a casual setting with one holding a plate of food.
A Grilled Fish on a plate with fresh basil and tomatoes

A Foodie Hotspot

Ludlow itself is known as a foodie hotspot, once home to more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than anywhere outside London. Its market town setting makes it the ideal backdrop for an event dedicated to authentic, bold, and creative cooking.

What began nearly three decades ago as a small, local gathering of producers has grown into one of the most respected food festivals in the country.

Despite its success, the Ludlow Food Festival has remained true to its purpose, championing local businesses, supporting artisan makers, and celebrating the connection between the countryside and produce.

Person grilling food over an open flame Kadai with a blurred background

For the Love of Food

For Kadai, food sits at the heart of everything we do. A barbecue is only as good as the ingredients you cook on it and the people you share it with.

Shropshire has always been Kadai’s second home, alongside the bustling streets of Rajasthan, where our firebowls were first made.

Being part of a festival that celebrates good food and artisanal quality feels like a natural fit for who we are.

People gathered outside a castle with tents and tables set up for the Kadai Fire Stage.

The Fire Stage

Each year, we return to Ludlow Castle to host the Fire Stage, a space dedicated to outdoor cooking and live fire experimentation.

Visitors can watch live demonstrations, meet chefs, and see the versatility of the Kadai firebowl up close. It’s here that the British Live Fire Cooking Championships (BLFCC) takes place, the official UK qualifier for the World Food Championships.

Hosted by Kadai on the Fire Stage in the Inner Bailey, the competition brings together some of the country’s most talented chefs to showcase their skills cooking over a flame.

Get a Ticket & Learn More

Check out the Fire Stage line up for 2026 and get all of the latest updates on this years Ludlow Food Festival, bringing you the very best artisans from in the Marshes.

EXPLORE

Ludlow food festival

The Ludlow Food Festival is one of the UK’s most respected UK Food Festivals, bringing together independent producers, chefs, and makers within the historic grounds of Ludlow Castle. Known for its strong focus on regional food culture and live demonstrations, the Ludlow Castle Food Festival has become a defining event in the British food calendar. Kadai is proud to host the Fire Stage and the British Live Fire Cooking Championships, reinforcing our commitment to live fire cooking and our long-standing connection to the Ludlow Festival.