The Sausage and Cider Fest returns to Leeds this weekend; here's what you can expect

The touring festival, which travels across the UK to celebrate the very best in local and international cider alongside a huge variety of artisan sausages, is set to arrive in the city for a one-day celebration of the humble banger and the often-maligned alcoholic beverage on February 28.

Having been founded in 2017 as a smaller-scale concept, the festival exploded in popularity around 2018 and 2019, when the ‘Instagrammable’ festival food trend took off.

Since then, the festival’s core tenets are ‘variety’ and ‘volume’; Unlike farmer’s markets, the Sausage and Cider Fest is designed to be a ‘high-energy club atmosphere meets food hall,’ aiming to bridge the gap between a high-street night out and a specialised food festival.

One for both foodies in the city and for those who are raring to fire up the barbecue when the weather finally changes, here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s spectacular.

Where is the Sausage and Cider Fest taking place this year?

The 2026 festival is making its home at the Royal Armouries (New Dock Hall), located at Leeds Dock. The venue provides the perfect indoor setting for the event’s ‘Huge Hall’ atmosphere.

The festival runs as a single afternoon session from 12pm until 5pm, allowing plenty of time to explore the various bars and stalls.

What can I expect from this year's Sausage and Cider Fest?

The event is built on three core pillars: Selection, Competition, and Vibe.

On the menu, you’ll find a ‘Cider Wall’ featuring over 25 craft varieties, from traditional farmhouse scrumpies to fruit-infused modern blends, and a ‘Sausage Bar’ with 12+ artisan flavours, including vegan and gluten-free options.

The entertainment moves the event from a standard food hall into an interactive show. The schedule is anchored by live stage challenges, most notably the World Record Sausage Eating Competition and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers eating contest.

This is all supported by a high-energy "club" feel, using festival-style lighting and sound rigs, live DJs, and tribute acts to keep the energy up throughout the day. Two acts already confirmed for the event come in the forms of a Kings of Leon and The Killers tribute bands, with more to be announced.

What vendors are confirmed to be at the Sausage and Cider Fest 2026?

No information is currently available on the official Sausage and Cider Fest website, but in previous years, the festival has worked with a rotating selection of independent butchers and cideries to ensure a mix of local and national produce.

While the guest list is finalised on the day, attendees can expect traditional staples like Cumberland and Lincolnshire alongside adventurous guest bangers.

The cider selection typically features independent producers from across the UK, offering everything from dry orchard blends to sweet strawberry and rhubarb infusions, while there will also be a bar that will host many different spirits, such as Gin, Rum, Vodka, Prosecco, plus beers for those who would like that instead.

There will also be alternatives available for those who have dietary requirements (V, VE, GF) with most of the vendors, which include GF rolls, vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives. These will be subject to availability on the day.

Are there still tickets to attend the Sausage and Cider Fest 2026?

Tickets are still available through the Sausage and Cider Fest website, though they are sold on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis across three price tiers.

As of this week, the following ticket options are listed:

• Half Price Ticket: £15.00 (+ £2.95 booking fee)
• General Admission: £22.50 (+ £2.95 booking fee)
• Final Release: £29.95 (+ £2.95 booking fee)

Please note that, unlike the festival's outdoor summer shows, this indoor session at the Royal Armouries is strictly 18+ only. Children will not be permitted entry, and a Challenge 25 policy will be in place at the door.

Additionally, the festival is a cashless event, so ensure you have a card or mobile payment method ready for all food and drink purchases.