From craft beer and classic cars to live music and fire cooking Ludlow Spring Festival has it all
The countdown is on to Ludlow Spring Festival, returning 8-10 May with its winning mix of independent beer, live music, classic cars and mouth-watering food - and this year, things are heating up.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Ludlow Castle, the south Shropshire festival is renowned for its exceptional drinks and entertainment. This year the festival will host the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) Midlands & West Indie Beer Awards which will take place before the festival opens.
The famous ‘Festival Pub’ in the Outer Bailey will showcase over 200 beers from the region’s finest independent brewers, alongside a new Visit The Vineyards wine bar area, a wide variety of other bars, and live bands performing on stage across the weekend.
Friday night introduces a brand-new ‘Wild West’ theme, with prizes for Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl, adding an extra layer of fun to the evening.
Outside the Festival Pub marquee, visitors can explore over 100 classic cars, enjoy Talks and Tastings curated by Slow Food Ludlow Marches (and hosted by Steve Guy also known as The Hungry Guy), and indulge in an array of street food, alongside artisan food and drink stalls. A dedicated kids’ zone will keep younger visitors entertained with circus skills workshops, face painting and a bungee trampoline.
The Inner Bailey will host an excited new addition for 2026, with a programme of live fire cooking demonstrations and pizza masterclasses running on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May.
Expect flames, flavour and plenty of foodie inspiration as expert chefs and pitmasters showcase the art of cooking over fire. From perfectly charred local meats and seasonal vegetables to smoky BBQ techniques you can recreate at home just in time for BBQ season, these demonstrations celebrate the best produce from the Marches region - with a touch of theatrical flair.
Martin Clemmey, Chairman of Ludlow Spring Festival said: “Ludlow Spring Festival offers fantastic value for a day, evening or full weekend out, with so much included in your ticket. For this spring, we’re excited to introduce a host of new features alongside our much-loved favourites, making it an even more vibrant and memorable experience. It’s a true celebration with something for everyone - great food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of fun for all the family.”
Sponsor Kadai, experts in fire pits, BBQs and outdoor living, are partnering with BBQ Magazine and other brands at Ludlow Spring Festival to bring live fire cooking theatrics and food straight off the coals to the festival.
Kadai’s Founder Christo McKinnon-Wood said: “There is no place more suited to live fire cooking than the Inner Bailey at Ludlow Castle - where the medieval stone walls resonate with the sound and smell of flame-cooked food.”
Festival opening times: Friday 8th May - 5pm-10pm; Saturday 9th May - 10am-10pm; Sunday 10th May - 11am-4pm. Advance tickets are available online at a discounted rate with day, evening-only and multi day tickets on offer; and on the gate.
