The UK’s first gluten- and dairy-free festival is coming to Manchester

Living with a gluten or dairy intolerance can be incredibly tricky. Small treats, like a nice beer, cake or bar of chocolate, are often off the table for many – meaning events like food festivals become tricky to participate in.

But free-from is certainly on the rise, as demonstrated by the opening of Manchester’s first dedicated free-from cafe 3Squared at the end of last year.

According to a recent report from Mintel, a quarter of us are now opting for dairy-free alternatives. And further research by the Gluten-Free Agency has found the target market for such products to be a whopping 44 million.

A few years ago, free-from products were virtually unheard of except in speciality health food stores. Nowadays, they are much more widely available.

One thing that has seemed off-limits so far, however, are food festivals. But not any more.

Gluten- and dairy-intolerant foodies will be made up to hear there’s a dedicated festival coming to Manchester next month, with more free-from-friendly goodies and cooking tips than you can shake your plant-based cheeze sticks at.

You’ll be able to sample healthy free-from products produced by local businesses in Manchester and the surrounding areas as well as from further afield in the UK.

There’ll be refined sugar-free chocolate tasting, gluten–free desserts and savoury snacks aplenty plus gluten–free beer, organic wine and refined sugar-free beverages to sample and take home, not to mention a mix of talented chefs, live cookery demonstrations and some great tips on cooking healthy, tasty food without using gluten or refined sugar.

And whilst the festival isn’t a vegan event, there will plenty of vegan and other free-from options available on the day.

Enjoy live music by up and coming artist ILONA, talks by industry professionals, a fun atmosphere and a host of nutritious, free-from alternatives.

It’s a great opportunity to stock up on great tasty snacks and purchase gifts for loved ones, particularly with Christmas starting to creep up on us.

It takes place at Fairfield Social Club on Saturday 19th October between 11.30am and 5.30pm and tickets are available to purchase now from just £5, including fees.

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