FOOD and drink festivals will return to Lichfield city centre this year, council chiefs have said.
The long-term future of the events had been in doubt after Lichfield District Council blocked the previous operator from running them.
The local authority eventually decided to run the summer festival last year to ensure it could go ahead.
And now council chiefs have confirmed they will once again run the events from 16th to 17th May and 29th to 31st August.
Cabinet member Cllr Phil Whitehouse said:
“Following the success of the 2025 Summer Food Festival, we’re really pleased to be bringing back both a spring and summer Food and Drink Festival in 2026.
“These events are a great celebration of Lichfield, supporting our local food and drink businesses and bringing people into the city.
“We’ll be working closely with traders, partners and community groups to deliver vibrant festivals that are safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.”
The council said the events will focus on a “community-led” approach, with fully-funded pitches on offer for new and local traders, as well as small grants to help deliver fringe activities.
