The Ginger & Spice Festival, now in its 9th year, is a vibrant, community-driven, not-for-profit event held in Market Drayton, North Shropshire run entirely by volunteers. Taking place each September, the festival celebrates the town’s rich culinary history and cultural heritage, proudly known as the "Home of Gingerbread."
The festival offers an exciting mix of food, heritage, and entertainment, including a spicy artisan street market, an interactive heritage trail contest, a food theatre with local chefs, a food and drink trail, live music, dancing, arts and crafts for children, and fringe events such as gingerbread competitions, cookery demos, and workshops. We champion local food and drink artisans, working in partnership with British Food Fortnight to highlight the importance of seasonality and sustainability, with many activities free of charge.
At its heart, the festival is about bringing the community together, encouraging people to discover, explore, and reconnect with their shared heritage while boosting Market Drayton’s profile. It provides valuable opportunities for local businesses, organisations, residents & volunteers fostering a thriving local economy and a resilient, connected community.
With a special focus on seasonal and locally-produced food—often with a ginger twist!—the festival is proudly managed by the Ginger & Spice Heritage Trust.