Meat Up Festival

Cheshire to Host the North’s First Field-to-Flame Festival This Summer

Meat Up Festival launches at Ashley Showground, Altrincham, Cheshire, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026 - introducing the North’s first field-to-flame festival, where live-fire cooking, British farming, music and festival culture come together for an unforgettable summer weekend.

More than a food event, Meat Up is a cultural outdoor experience, bringing people together around fire, field, and music. Across two days, visitors can expect a high-energy atmosphere of flame-cooked food, countryside skills, and shared moments built on real fire and real connection.

A vibrant Farmers Market celebrates local produce and field-to-fork transparency, while the Thatchers Cider Party brings a lively festival feel with DJs, cider, and social energy.

The festival’s Agri Area connects visitors directly with British farmers and producers, including the host Annie Winn, and farmers Charlotte Ashley and Rebecca Wilson, Tom Carlisle, Frank Carr, and Eden Hill - alongside others representing the breadth of UK agriculture. This space champions transparency, sustainability and the importance of supporting British farming today.

Annie Winn says:

“Meat Up Festival is all about bringing people closer to the food on their plates and the people behind it. If visitors leave after having had an amazing time, whilst also understanding why it’s important to back British produce and support our local farmers and butchers, then we’ve done exactly what we set out to do.”

The Fire Stage will showcase leading live-fire chefs and pitmasters, including James Peck, Adam Purnell, Genevieve Taylor, and Levi Roots, showcasing techniques rooted in authenticity, skill, and craft. Experience the Butchery Stage with industry experts such as Dave Corbett, Richard Silverman, Liam Sharkey, and Justine Fulton, demonstrating meat preparation and craft butchery skills.

Live music runs throughout the weekend on the Thatchers Cider Main Stage, with performances from Craig Charles, Levi Roots, Ben Ottewell (Gomez), Mark Radcliffe, Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), and rising act Harleymoon Kemp, alongside a wider lineup delivering a soundtrack of festival vibes to the Cheshire countryside.

Designed with families in mind, the event includes a dedicated Kids’ Zone - a safe, hands-on space featuring countryside activities, a petting zoo, mini Land Rovers, outdoor cinema and more.

Ashley Showground is well connected across the North West, making it an ideal festival location. Just minutes from the M56, 10 minutes from Altrincham train station and under 30 minutes from Manchester city centre - offering easy access whether you’re travelling locally or from further afield.

Camping is available for an authentic festival experience, with arrival from Friday 31^st July. Tent camping pitches and live-in vehicles options.

Meat Up Festival proudly supports The Farming Community Network and The Burnt Chef Project, helping raise awareness for mental health across the farming and hospitality sectors.

Tickets are on sale now at: meatupfestival.com with Blue Light discount available and discounted rates for young farmers and students aged 21 and under.

All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.