The vegan events year in the UK
By Hannah
Exact dates change every year, but the rhythm of the vegan events calendar is fairly steady. Knowing it helps you plan a visit, or, if you trade, decide where to put your energy.
January and February: Veganuary and new starters
Veganuary, the campaign that invites people to try vegan eating for January, has made the first month of the year a busy one. Expect cookery demonstrations, supermarket launches and talks aimed at beginners. Outdoor markets are quieter, but indoor events and supper clubs fill the gap.
March to May: markets reopen
As the weather improves, monthly outdoor markets restart, often around Easter. It is a good time to discover new traders who spent the winter developing products. Spring fairs and garden events also start to include vegan stalls.
June to August: festival season
Summer brings the large outdoor festivals and the busiest street food weekends. Events are bigger, queues longer and the atmosphere at its best. Bring sun cream and water, and go early.
September and October: harvest and food festivals
General food festivals and harvest fairs now nearly always include vegan traders. It is a good season for local produce, preserves and ferments.
November: World Vegan Day and Christmas markets
World Vegan Day is on 1 November, a date chosen to mark the founding of the Vegan Society in the UK in 1944. Many groups run events around it, and some celebrate the whole month. From mid-November the Christmas markets begin, and they are the most important weeks of the year for gift traders.
December: gifts and festive food
Expect plant-based Christmas dinners, festive bakes and gift fairs right up to the last weekend before Christmas.
Planning tips
- Organisers usually confirm dates two to three months ahead.
- Early-bird tickets for big festivals often go on sale months in advance.
- Stallholders should apply early for the Christmas season, which fills first.
See also how vegan markets work and selling at a vegan market.
