FŌDA is a new ‘festival of food ideas’ taking place at the Arnolfini in Bristol this 27th-28th September. It incorporates an artisanal Producer Village along the quayside all weekend, a Sourdough Exchange, family friendly cooking and craft workshops (free) and the launch of The Pony Farm Bus.
The finale is a symposium chaired by food writer Xanthe Clay and Mulberry founder/Sharpham Park owner Roger Saul, with a line-up of expert speakers including Margot Henderson, Tomos Parry, The Newt, Our Farm by Simon Rogan, Gurdeep Loyal, Yeo Valley and Cornish Sea Salt.
The festival was founded by Josh Eggleton MBE and Shona Graham of Team Canteen - a not-for-profit CIC supporting food banks and underrepresented communities in the city. Tackling some of the big issues around food today - from health to regenerative farming and education - FŌDA will bring together industry professionals, leading experts, grassroot organisations and consumers. Ideas and inspiration will be shared through panel talks, workshops, exhibitions and an independent Producer Village along the waterfront, celebrating some of the best artisans in the southwest.
WHAT’S ON OVER THE WEEKEND
Producer Village A representation of localism in the form of an old-fashioned market, celebrating the best Bristol and southwest producers. There will be artisan makers to discover including cheeses, wine, local spirits and produce. At the centre will be a BBQ with The Pony chefs serving food to takeaway, plus samosas by 91 Ways and pasta by the Square Food Foundation.
The Pony Farm Bus Making its debut at FŌDA, The Pony Farm Bus is an interactive learning centre converted from a vintage double decker bus, complete with hydroponic growing, a demo kitchen and library of resources. The Pony Farm Bus aims to drive nationwide understanding of how our food is grown, and will visit community groups and schools around the UK in 2026 (bookings are now open). At FŌDA, the bus will host pizza and pasta making workshops to engage children with learning about food.
Sourdough Exchange & Talk Dr Vanessa Kimbell, a professional baker and leading expert in nutritional bread, will be hosting a Sourdough Exchange & Talk on Saturday (tickets are £5pp). An afternoon of bread, biodiversity and community, the sourdough loaf will serve as a symbol and talking point for positive approaches to health and cooking.This unique event blends a talk, live baking, and a sourdough swap — celebrating gut health, grain diversity, and the power of slow fermentation.
Food & Art Exhibitions and Workshops In line with the Arnolfini’s cultural output there will be exhibitions within the centre itself, including John Carey’s ‘Chefs in Lockdown’ exhibition; ‘We Feed the UK’ - portraits of radical-minded folk behind the regenerative farming movement; and food-themed Family Art Workshops, including vegetable printing and traditional Japanese Gyotaku.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday 27th September, 10am - 4pm • Producer Village around the quayside • Food & Art Workshops • Food & Art exhibitions • Sourdough Exchange & Talk (2pm-5pm) • The Pony Farm Bus • Screenings
Sunday 28th September, 10am-6pm • Producer Village around the quayside • Food & Art Workshops • Food & Art exhibitions • The Pony Farm Bus • Screenings • SYMPOSIUM PANEL TALKS: Salt, 10am / Fat, 12pm / Acid, 2.30pm / Sweet, 4.30pm
WHEN: Saturday 27th - Sunday 28th September 2025
WHERE: Arnolfini Arts, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
BOOKING:
The main activities across the weekend are free to attend, with no booking required. Saturday's Sourdough Exchange and Sunday’s Symposium are ticketed events.
SOURDOUGH EXCHANGE, DEMO & TALK: Tickets are £5pp from the FŌDA website. Bring a loaf, share your story, and take home another in return.
SYMPOSIUM TICKETS: Tickets for the symposium are now on sale and can be bought for either a half-day session (2 x talks) at £45pp, including breakfast or lunch by The Pony; or a full-day session (4 x talks) at £85pp, including breakfast and lunch by The Pony.
Website: www.fodafestival.com
Instagram: @foda.festival
