Birmingham is set to welcome the United Kingdom's largest free vegan festival in spring 2026, marking a significant moment for the plant-based movement. Vegfest Free will take over the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Saturday 25 April 2026, offering a completely cost-free day out for thousands of visitors.
A Festival Built on Community and Solidarity
In a bold move designed to support ethical businesses and remove financial barriers, the event will offer free entry to all. Organisers have pledged to provide free stalls and marketing support for up to 64 independent traders, small charities, and community groups. This initiative aims to foster collective solidarity at a time when such organisations face considerable pressure.
The festival has attracted backing from prominent figures and ethical businesses. Heather Mills, alongside her new vegan food brand No Bloat, is the Show Sponsor. She states that Vegfest Free offers a unique chance to unite the community and introduce thousands to vegan benefits. Vegan pizza company One Planet Pizza is also among the supporters.
What Visitors Can Expect at Edgbaston
The festival promises a vibrant, inner-city atmosphere packed with activities and discoveries. Attendees can explore a huge array of offerings, including:
- Up to 170 fully vegan stalls selling street food, artisan produce, body care, fashion, and accessories.
- New plant-based product launches and live cooking demonstrations.
- An extensive speaker programme with more than 30 talks and panels covering health, ethics, lifestyle, and the environment.
- Live music and entertainment across multiple indoor and outdoor stages.
- A fully inclusive, family-friendly environment with dedicated activities for all ages.
The event is tailored for the established vegan community and those who are simply 'plant-curious' and exploring the lifestyle for the first time.
Grassroots Momentum for a Compassionate Movement
Vegfest Free represents a return to grassroots principles for organiser VegfestUK, which has run major vegan events across the UK for over 23 years. This is their first major foray into the Midlands. The project is further powered by a national crowdfunder and a volunteer promotion team, embodying a people-powered response to current challenges.
Tim Barford of VegfestUK emphasised the festival's core mission, saying it is about standing together, supporting independents, and welcoming new people into a compassionate, inclusive movement. He believes that when communities unite, it creates essential energy, hope, and momentum.
With its ambitious scale and free-access model, Vegfest Free is poised to become a landmark event in the UK's cultural and ethical calendar, firmly placing Birmingham at the heart of the national conversation on sustainable, plant-based living.
