Northampton’s finest food and drink celebration, Delapré Food Festival, returns to the historic grounds of Delapré Abbey on June 6 and 7, 2026, promising a grand summer weekend of artisan flavours, family fun and international culinary star power.
This year’s festival marks a major milestone as it welcomes Texas BBQ legend Colter Peck, who is flying in from the United States for the event. Peck will headline the chef demo stage and the festival’s Live Fire Cooking School, bringing authentic Lone Star State techniques to the heart of Northamptonshire.
Produced by the award-winning team behind Bite Street NN and Towcester Food Festival, the event transforms the Abbey’s lawns into a bustling hive of gastronomy.
Visitors can expect artisan stalls, wine and gin tastings, cheese masterclasses with expert Shane Holland, and a live fire cooking school hosted by James Peck of Wellingborough’s renowned restaurant, Ember.
New for 2026, the festival will extend its Saturday hours with a Street Food Evening, featuring live music and a vibrant market atmosphere. The weekend will also host an exclusive Live Fire Festival Banquet, where Colter Peck and James Peck will collaborate on an ambitious eight-course tasting feast.
Crispin Slee, festival founder, said:
“We are incredibly excited to bring Delapré Food Festival back for 2026 with our most ambitious line-up yet. Bringing a talent like Colter Peck over from Texas is a huge coup for Northampton; it bridges the gap between our local ‘Live Fire’ scene and the world-class BBQ culture of the States.
“From our free family circus to the new evening street food party, we’ve designed this weekend to be a true celebration of great food and great vibes in one of the town’s most beautiful heritage settings.”
The festival remains a firm family favourite, offering a free circus for children, face painting, bouncy castles, and kids’ cookery classes. In a unique blend of culture and cuisine, entry tickets also include access to the historic Abbey house, allowing visitors to explore one of the gems of Northampton’s heritage tapestry.
The main chef demo stage will also showcase the best of local talent, including award-winning head chef Bart Polinski from Hibiscus, alongside James Peck. Each will demonstrate seasonal dishes while sharing professional tips with the audience.
The event is headline sponsored by The Bell Plantation Garden Centre in Towcester, whose support continues to foster the festival’s growth.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Dates: Saturday June 6 (10am-5pm), Street Food Evening (5pm-9pm); Sunday June 7 (10am-4pm).
- Location: Delapré Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW.
- Tickets: Super Early Bird tickets start at £12 (available until April 25). Children under 5 are free. Family tickets and evening-only tickets are available via Eventbrite.
- Parking: Free on-site parking available.
- Accessibility: The festival aims to be inclusive; carer ticket information is available on the website. Please note ground can be uneven.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: delaprefoodfestival.co.uk