Everything you need to know about the first Queen's Park Food Festival
Organisers of the Queen’s Park Food Festival have shared the complete festival programme for this weekend's debut celebration, taking place on the 6th & 7th June at Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Glasgow.
Four different live stages run throughout both days of the event. At the Main Stage, a variety of local soloists, community groups and bands perform in the afternoon, while two of Scotland’s leading tribute acts headline each evening (The McCommitments, Saturday, and One In Ten, Sunday).
Peter McKenna, Head Chef and Director of Bistro Eleven Fifty Five in Glasgow, hosts the Live Cookery Theatre, bringing with him ten of Glasgow’s thriving culinary experts and restaurateurs. Highlights include Ajay Kumar (Swadish by Ajay Kumar), Scott Dewar (Elements Restaurant) and Graeme Cheevers (Unalome / Loma by Graeme Cheevers).
At the Live Entertainers Stage, Matthew J Magic, Stu-Di-Doo and Magic Gareth perform family magic, circus and comedy shows between 11:00 - 16:00, hosting family circus workshops in between each performance.
The Sizzing Showdown Arena, hosted by renowned comedian Neil Frost, hosts four daily competitions (free entry for all attendees). The Family Dog Show invites festival-goers and their beloved friends to battle it out in light-hearted contests, while afterwards the Chilli Challenge tests brave competitors in a knock-out format chilli eating contest. In a change of pace, the Foodie Olympics brings together food-themed Sports Day challenges and mini-games, including races, throwing contests and tug-of-war. Lastly, attendees are given the chance to win prizes from the event's local market traders in Pies Down, Eyes Down Bingo.
Street Food, Markets and Bars
Independent street food and dessert vendors from across the region serve a variety of international cuisines, offering classic dishes and delicacies from Mexico, Greece, Hungary, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Jamaica, India and more.
A Full Ale House, in partnership with Vocation Brewery, offers lagers and IPAs on draught, while soft drinks, fresh lemonade, ciders, cocktails, spirits and wine are available from eight different independent bars.
An abundance of independent market traders, craftspeople and entrepreneurs showcase their creations in the bustling Artisan Markets, including savoury goods, sweet treats, accessories, art, jewellery and beverages.
The full vendor line-ups are now listed on the Queen’s Park Food Festival website.
Family Activities and Attractions
The Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt takes attendees to each of the festival’s cornerstone attractions through clues and riddles, while the Scribble Tent provides a calm space for creative tasks. Alternatively, Viking Heritage Kitchen provides an insight into authentic viking open-fire cooking techniques.
Elsewhere, Samba Ya Bamba perform funky brass arrangements, while roaming stilt walkers and comedy acts visit festival-goers around the site.