Ashburton Food Festival celebrates 15 years
Ashburton was once again filled with the sights, sounds and smells of local food and drink as the Ashburton Food Festival returned to the town on Saturday 12 September.
Published: 30 September 2026
This years food festival was a particularly special one, marking the festival’s 15th anniversary alongside the 75th anniversary of Dartmoor National Park. The 2026 programme celebrated the food, producers and traditions of the moor, bringing together more than 50 food and drink traders from across Devon and beyond.
The festival offered something for all ages, with street food, local produce, tastings, masterclasses, live music, talks and activities for children. New spaces were introduced for 2026, including expanded picnic and children’s areas and a new green space for live music, helping visitors to make a day of the event.
The celebrations began on Friday evening with the new Dartmoor Feast at The Dartmoor Lodge. Five chefs came together to create a five-course menu inspired by Dartmoor and its produce, providing a fitting way to mark the festival’s 15th anniversary.
Saturday’s programme included expert masterclasses in wine, cheese and chocolate, as well as discussions exploring the future of food and food resilience in the South West. There was also live music throughout the day, with performances including The Hot House Combo, Stompin’ Dave, EachOther and The Fireballs.
The festival is a great showcase for Ashburton’s reputation as a food-loving town, while also providing an opportunity for local and regional producers, independent businesses and community organisations to connect with residents and visitors.
With free entry and the town centre brought to life by food, music and entertainment, the festival once again demonstrated the community spirit and independent character that make Ashburton such a special place to visit.
