Birmingham has one of the most diverse and exciting food cultures in the country. The city is famous for everything from beef burgers to curries – much of which is halal. Muslims make up 1/5th of Birmingham’s population and the city is one of the most halal-friendly cities in the UK. So it feels like the perfect place to host this completely halal food festival.
The Halal Food Festival is back at Birmingham’s NEC on Spring Bank Holiday weekend. This two-day event expects to see over 20,000 attendees across May 25 & 26, sampling halal cuisine – offering tasty treats as diverse as Islam itself. With over 150 exhibitors and outdoor street food vendors, as well as an indoor exhibition with Muslim lifestyle stalls and entertainment, it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend.
“We are really excited to be bringing this event to the Midlands,” said Bilal Khan, CEO of The Halal Family Group. “The aim is to bring Halal cuisines from across the globe together for a weekend of live entertainment and special guest appearances. Really good to see Chipsta, Cleopatra’s Kitchen and Only Jerkin coming back too.”
“We are looking to showcase Halal cuisines from all across the globe, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and from Turkey and the Western region too. Expect street food vendors, special guest chefs, influencers, your favourite Halal brands, live cooking demonstrations and entertainment for all ages.”
Traders include Malik Butchers with their legendary Halal Artisan Hot Dog (who recently made their TV debut on the Channel 4 show Aldi’s Next Big Thing), Samosa Boy, Culture Cooking (Caribbean Cuisine from Edgbaston) and Mr Tee’s ice cream van. You’ll also find radio stars like Smash Bengali from Radio 1 and Kan D Man from BBC Asian Network, plus a number of famous TikTok and YouTube stars among the crowd – like Anisa Karolia, Zaynah’s Bakes and Pulwasha Cooks.
Elsewhere, the main arena will play host to your Halal lifestyle brands ranging from fashion and jewellery to Islamic art and charitable causes. While an artisan market showing off small businesses will also stock fine delicacies, home décor, arts and crafts, fashion and beauty items. Plus, celebrity chefs, such as Homemade Savouries by Sara, will host live cooking demonstrations.
To learn more about The Halal Food Festival head here.