Cranbrook to Host First eat:Festival Food and Drink Event
eat:Festivals will be hosting a food and drink festival in Cranbrook on Sunday 13 September 2026.
The festival will be happening in the heart of the town, on and surrounding the Tillhouse Road. eat:Festivals are a small social enterprise who have been delivering one day food and drink festivals in towns across the south-west for over 13 years. They are now accepting applications for all 2026 dates, including the Cranbrook one at www.eatfestivals.org/apply
Bev Milner Simonds from eat:Festivals told us: "We specialise in developing festivals that bring the community together, showcase local producers and give businesses the chance to welcome new people into their premises.
"We will be focusing on producers from within 30 miles of Cranbrook and we are now open for applications.
"We are grateful to East Devon District Council for their support of this first festival. We hope the festival will grow and develop and become an established part of the Cranbrook calendar.”
Cllr Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Assets and Economy, said: “East Devon District Council is delighted to champion our local producers and creators who provide food and drink of the highest quality.
"We take great pride in supporting inaugural events that celebrate these businesses, building on the success of Gate to Plate initiatives we’ve backed since Honiton in 2018, and helping to deliver on our Economic Development Strategy.
“This new festival in Cranbrook will not only showcase the fantastic food and drink businesses delivering lower food miles but also help establish Cranbrook as a vibrant and welcoming place to visit, live and do business.”
If you visit the festival you will find over 70 makers, growers and producers, free entertainment and music, extra seating and a great atmosphere."
A spokesperson for Cranbrook Town Council said:“Cranbrook continues to grow as a town, and events such as these bring activity to the town centre. The Town Council wishes the event, organised by eat:Festivals, every success.”
Councillor Kim Bloxham, Councillor Kevin Blakey, and Councillor Sam Hawkins, East Devon District Councillors for the Cranbrook Ward, said: "We're absolutely delighted to see Cranbrook host its very first Gate to Plate event.
"It’s a brilliant celebration of local produce, community spirit and the connection between land and table. Bringing together producers and visitors in this way not only showcases Cranbrook but also highlights the importance of sustainable, locally rooted food systems.
"It’s a fantastic milestone for Cranbrook, and we are excited to see it become a highlight in the town’s calendar for years to come."
Hold the date for Cranbrook Gate to Plate on Sunday 13 September
For more information visit www.eatfestivals.org
