aldeburgh food and drink festival

The Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival 2020 – what’s happening?

The Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival is a much-loved event in the Suffolk event calendar – however, this year’s event will be a little bit different. Read on for the lowdown on what’s happening during the 2020 festival.

What is the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

Widely regarded as one of the best annual food festivals in the country, this event brings together dozens of local producers of fresh food, drink, confectionery and more. It’s the place to be if you want to fill your fridge and pantry with mouth-watering produce – and indulge in a cheeky, freshly-made meal while you’re browsing. 

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

Not only that, but you can meet the producers themselves, and grill them about food miles, sustainable practices, and more. It’s a great way to learn about the thriving food industry in Suffolk.

The event takes place at the stunning riverside village of Snape, which is also where one of our beautiful, Historic Suffolk Holiday Barges is based! The Barge, Onderneming, sleeps six guests and up to three dogs, and features three bathrooms, two large lounge and dining areas, two kitchens and stunning river views. We clean both of our Barges thoroughly following each visit, ensuring that our guests are safe and happy during their stay.

What’s changing for 2020?

As a precautionary measure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival is undergoing a few temporary changes this year. On 26th to 27th September, a ‘Market Weekend’ will replace the festival. Don’t worry – it’ll still take place at Snape Maltings, and there will be over 50 local producers spread across the grounds of the outdoor event area, plus entertainment and street food kiosks.

Tim Anderson and Kwoklyn Wan at the 2019 Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Tim Anderson (left) and Kwoklyn Wan on the Tiptree Stage at last year’s event

Unfortunately, this year’s event will lack the live chef demonstrations and masterclasses of previous years, but the market itself will be a wonderful experience! 

Where to get tickets for the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival 2020

Tickets are FREE this year! However, to enable the festival to keep going for future years and to keep bringing local producers together for the event, the arrangers are asking for optional donations with bookings. You can book your tickets via the festival website. Be aware that festival visitor numbers will be limited to allow for social distancing measures, so make sure to book well in advance. 

Wild Suffolk at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Wild Suffolk at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

Where to stay

Our Onderneming Barge is moored on the river at Snape Maltings, meaning that the festival is right on your doorstep. However, the Barge is fully booked for the 2020 event, as is our Twee Gebroeders Barge at Woodbridge and our Luxury, Dog-Friendly Cottages in Stonham Aspal.

As our Holiday Barges and Cottages are so popular, we recommend booking well in advance – especially for popular Suffolk events! We do have some space available for later in the autumn and winter. It’s a beautiful time of year to visit Suffolk, so book now to enjoy the beauty that our county has to offer!

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

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Brilliant beaches! Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, with great beaches, all in easy reach of us.

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We don't just tolerate Dogs, we welcome them! We've built a strong reputation in this market, and we're proud of it!

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at the barns

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in.

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Free Doggy treats, Dog bowls, and Dog towels. Our furry friends even get Woodfarm branded poop bag holders!

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Visit England Gold Awards coming out of our ears, as well as their coveted ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

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Well in excess of 1,000 Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 25% of our guests come back!

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Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation, just because you're worth it.

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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Two AONB's on our doorstep! Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

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on the barges

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

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