Best food and drink events in Ayrshire

David Pollock
13 April 2015

credit: Douglas Graham

From Largs to Ballantrae, our top picks for food and drink events in and around Ayrshire

Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink
Established in May 2015 on the back of a series of successful farmers’ markets and smugglers' festivals, a number of local interest groups founded Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink to support quality, healthy Scottish produce. 2016 looks to bring even more, with foraging workshops, demonstrations, tastings, pop-up restaurants and a wide range of local food and drink.
Sun 12 Jun.
ballantrae.org.uk/foodfestival
Twitter:@BallantraeFest

Largs Food Fest
The Largs Food Fest 2016 will showcase some of the best of Scottish food and drink, using the particularly scenic coastal backdrop of well-established holiday town Largs, as an added attraction. Last year the festival brought 8,000 visitors to the town, all sampling and buying the local produce on offer.
Sat 21–Sun 22 May.
explorelargs.com

Newmilns Food Festival
As the latest addition to Ayrshire's food and drink calendar, Newmilns Food Festival is a day to celebrate the area's local produce in one of its quietest villages.
Sat 17 Sep.
lovenewmilns.org

Ayrshire Beer Festival
Hosted by Troon Concert Hall, usually in October, the CAMRA-endorsed Ayrshire Beer Festival has been in action for over 15 years, showcasing beers from across the local area and Scotland. The event awards a Beer of the Festival prize at the end and features live music from local groups every evening.
Thu 6–Sat 8 Oct.
ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Whisky an’ a’ That Festival
Held in Ayr Town Hall, local whisky merchant Robbie’s Drams hosts a selection from more than 30 whisky suppliers, including opportunities to purchase rare bottlings and new releases, with talks from experts. Aimed at experts and novices.
Sat 4 Jun.
robbieswhiskymerchants.com

Arran Malt and Music Festival
Few pairings work like music and whisky, and on the western Isle of Arran in early summer this festival celebrates them both. Highlights include the White Stag dinner on the Friday night, a host of local and Scottish folk musicians and groups under a grand marquis during Saturday day and a ceilidh on Saturday evening. There are also a range of talks, with a ‘survivor’s lunch’ on Sunday. Usually held on the last weekend of June.
arranevents.com

Burns an’ a’ That! Festival
Celebrating the Bard of Scotland in the region of his birth and upbringing, this festival showcases music, comedy, writing, arts and family fun over a weekend. Local food and drink will also be well-represented at an event which seeks to celebrate Scotland’s creative abilities.
Fri 20–Sat 21 May.
burnsfestival.com